Mednet Logo
CommunityNeurology

Do you obtain an MSLT or start empiric therapy with modafinil in patients with residual excessive daytime sleepiness despite optimal adherence to PAP therapy?

In patients with an average of less than 5 respiratory events per hour, adequate sleep duration and hygiene were confirmed on the sleep log, absent cataplexy, and no SOREM noted on diagnostic PSG.
Community PollStarted

Do you obtain a MSLT or start empiric therapy with modafinil in patients with residual excessive daytime sleepiness despite optimal adherence to PAP therapy?

98 physicians have voted

Join Mednetto vote and see how they answered.

5 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Pulmonology · Augusta University Medical College Of Georgia
Answered on

In this situation I would start either modafinil, armodafinil, or solriamfetol for residual EDS if the OSA was appropriately controlled without need for MSLT. We have an FDA label for these medications in this situation to support this practice. If I felt like there was concern for a combination of ...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Pulmonology · University of Louisville
Answered on

I start empiric therapy unless I suspect narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia with OSA then I order MSLT.

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Pulmonology · Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Answered on

Personally, I am not a strong believer in empiric stimulant use in this context. Usual offenders need to be addressed first: circadian rhythm disorder, behaviorally insufficient sleep, sleep hygiene, exercise, etc. should be the first line. If all that is optimized I would consider MSLT to screen fo...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Pulmonology · Gwinnett Pulmonary Group Lawrenceville
Answered on

I recently had a patient in this situation with hypersomnia in spite of great pap compliance. BMI 45. Insurance denied MSLT. Modafinil, Ritalin, and caffeine didn't work. Weight loss surgery solved the issue. There was no evidence of hypercapnia. I think MSLT is helpful in corroborating the patient'...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Pulmonology · Wayne Health
Answered on

First, we need to define "optimal adherence." The 4-hour rule used by payers is a minimum threshold and not an optimal use. The study by Weaver et al., PMID 17580592 demonstrates that more patients will achieve normal functioning with longer nightly CPAP durations, but what constitutes adequate use ...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer