Warhurst S, Georgousopoulou E, Sethna F, Huang H. Referral practices and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancies with obesity.
Obes Sci Pract 2024;
10:e754. [PMID:
38646611 PMCID:
PMC11026906 DOI:
10.1002/osp4.754]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects maternal and neonatal health during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify characteristics and comorbidities associated with sleep clinic referral in high-risk pregnancies with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2.
Method
Retrospective cohort study for individuals in a high-risk pregnancy clinic at a tertiary Australian hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2020 with BMI≥35 kg/m2. The primary outcome measure was sleep clinic referral. Exposure data included multiple comorbidities and formal tools (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG). Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with referral. Descriptive data on barriers to diagnosis and treatment were collected.
Results
Of 161 pregnant individuals, 38.5% were screened using formal tools and 13.7% were referred to sleep clinic. Having STOP-BANG performed was associated with sleep clinic referral (Odds Ratio: 18.04, 95% Confidence Interval:4.5-71.7, p < 0.001). No clinical characteristics were associated with the likelihood of performing STOP-BANG. The COVID-19 pandemic was a treatment barrier for three individuals.
Conclusions
Current screening practices identify pregnant individuals with the highest pre-test probability of having OSA. Future research should evaluate real-world strategies to improve identification and management in this high-risk population.
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