A Study on the Usefulness of Bofu-tsusho-san in Treating Obesity-related Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)

Obesity is an important complicating factor in Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS), and correction of obesity is a factor that must always be taken into account in the treatment of SAS. In this study, Bofu-tsusho-san - a Kampo preparation indicated for the treatment of obesity - was administered to obese SAS patients for a duration of eight weeks, and its usefulness was tested. To all patients, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, the standard treatment for SAS was provided. For this reason, the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was kept to a mild level or below, and changes were not observed in the approximate administration of Bofu-tsusho-san. Significant changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), neck girth and abdominal girth, were not observed, either. However, ESS scores were observed decreasing over time, with a significant difference after eight weeks of administration. Furthermore, in terms of subjective symptoms, constipation improved significantly after eight weeks of administration, and it was observed that appetite scores also decreased. Based on these findings, it appears that Bofu-tsusho-san, through combined use with CPAP therapy, is useful in limiting progression of obesity -a complicating factor in SAS - and improving SAS's subjective symptoms.