Royal Philips, a major sponsor of the Sleep Apnea cardioVascular Endpoints (SAVE) study, has announced that the study has reached its enrollment goal of 2,500 patients, spread across seven countries and 84 hospitals and medical institutions.

Launched in 2008, the multi-center, randomized, controlled trial examines the effects of CPAP treatment over a two to seven year period, comparing the treatment of CPAP plus standard care with standard care alone.

SAVE, the largest study of its kind, takes a global view of how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease affect patients worldwide. CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open and is the leading treatment for OSA.

The Philips-sponsored SAVE study aims to determine the effects of CPAP treatment in preventing heart attack, stroke or heart failure in high-risk patients with moderate to severe OSA.

Philips Healthcare global clinical research senior director Dr Mark Aloia the results of this study could radically change clinical practices and approaches to both sleep apnea and cardiovascular health.

"If the results prove positive, it will be a major advancement in determining whether PAP therapy has a role in preventing cardiovascular disease and its progression in people with sleep disorder breathing," Aloia added.

In addition to acting as the lead sponsor of this study, Philips has had an active role in training the various SAVE sites in in CPAP adherence techniques to ensure strong patient engagement. Focused on treatment adherence, Philips’ global clinical research team has educated site physicians on driving patient motivation, effective communication, and active participation.