Association and Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on blood levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-17 in obstructive sleep apnoea adults: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a long-term disorder characterized by frequent blockages in the upper respiratory tract during sleep, often leading to abrupt awakenings, with or without a decrease in oxygen levels. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) on blood interleukin (IL) levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-17 in OSA adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The published databases from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from 2003 to 2024, without any restrictions. The Review Manager software 5.3 was employed to compute effect sizes, which were presented as the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In total, 320 records were identified through database searching; ultimately, 42 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and then the meta-analysis. The CPAP therapy significantly reduces IL-6 levels, as indicated SMD=0.64 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.93] and P<0.0001. CPAP therapy significantly reduced IL-18 and IL-1β levels in adults with OSA, but there is no significant difference in IL-10, IL-4, or IL-17 levels. Age, blood sample, body mass index, ethnicity, and treatment duration for IL-6 and apnoea-hypopnea index with IL-10 levels were effective factors in the pooled results. Experimentally, there was an interaction between IL-18 and IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

CPAP therapy has a positive impact on inflammatory markers in OSA adults; remarkably, it reduces IL-6 and IL-1β levels. Nevertheless, more evidence (such as the role of ethnicity) and understanding of interactions are needed.

Sleep Disordered Breathing and Neurocognitive Disorders

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which includes conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), is an independent risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular disorders. The influence of OSA on brain structure and cognitive function has become an essential focus in the heart-brain axis, given its potential role in developing neurocognitive abnormalities. In this review, we found that OSA plays a significant role in the cardio-neural pathway that leads to the development of cerebral small vessel disease and neurocognitive decline. Although data is still limited on this topic, understanding the critical role of OSA in the heart-brain axis could lead to the utilization of imaging modalities to simultaneously identify early signs of pathology in both organ systems based on the known OSA-driven pathological pathways that result in a disease state in both the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. This narrative review aims to summarize the current link between OSA and neurocognitive disorders, cardio-neural pathophysiology, and the treatment options available for patients with OSA-related neurocognitive disorders.

Automatic prediction of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with temporomandibular disorder based on multidata and machine learning

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is closely associated with the development and chronicity of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Given the intricate pathophysiology of both OSA and TMD, comprehensive diagnostic approaches are crucial. This study aimed to develop an automatic prediction model utilizing multimodal data to diagnose OSA among TMD patients. We collected a range of multimodal data, including clinical characteristics, portable polysomnography, X-ray, and MRI data, from 55 TMD patients who reported sleep problems. This data was then analyzed using advanced machine learning techniques. Three-dimensional VGG16 and logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors. Approximately 53% (29 out of 55) of TMD patients had OSA. Performance accuracy was evaluated using logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, and area under the curve (AUC) scores. OSA prediction accuracy in TMD patients was 80.00-91.43%. When MRI data were added to the algorithm, the AUC score increased to 1.00, indicating excellent capability. Only the obstructive apnea index was statistically significant in predicting OSA in TMD patients, with a threshold of 4.25 events/h. The learned features of the convolutional neural network were visualized as a heatmap using a gradient-weighted class activation mapping algorithm, revealing that it focuses on differential anatomical parameters depending on the absence or presence of OSA. In OSA-positive cases, the nasopharynx, oropharynx, uvula, larynx, epiglottis, and brain region were recognized, whereas in OSA-negative cases, the tongue, nose, nasal turbinate, and hyoid bone were recognized. Prediction accuracy and heat map analyses support the plausibility and usefulness of this artificial intelligence-based OSA diagnosis and prediction model in TMD patients, providing a deeper understanding of regions distinguishing between OSA and non-OSA.

Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and obstructive sleep apnea: a study from NHANES 2015-2018

Background

The association between TyG-BMI index and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a recently identified biomarker indicating insulin resistance, has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between TyG-BMI index and the risk of OSA using the NHANES database.

Methods

Analyses were performed on NHANES data conducted between 2015 and 2018. Logistic regression, stratified analyses, curve-fitting analyses, and threshold effects analyses were utilized to assess the association between TyG-BMI index and the risk of OSA.

Results

The study included 4,588 participants. Multifactorial logistic regression analyses found a significant association between TyG-BMI and increased risk of OSA [OR: 1.54 (CI:1.39-1.70)]. In stratified analyses, age interacted with the association, with TyG-BMI being associated with increased risk of OSA only in a subgroup of subjects younger than 60 years [1.31 (1.14-1.50)], but gender, smoking status, and alcohol use, did not influence the association. The presence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases also modified the association, but the number of the included subjects with such conditions was significantly lower, therefore the significance of associations was not observed in those subgroups. Additionally, the risk was non-linearly associated, with the inflection point of TyG-BMI at 12.09, after which the lower slope in the risk was observed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that elevated levels of the TyG-BMI index are correlated with risk for OSA, underscoring the significance of these findings in facilitating early prevention or timely intervention for OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Platelet Aggregation, and Cardiovascular Risk

BACKGROUND

Although related, the precise mechanisms linking obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are unclear. Platelets are mediators of CVD risk and thrombosis and prior studies suggested associations of OSA and platelet activity. The aim of this study is to assess the link between OSA, platelet activity, and CVD-related risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied the association of OSA-measures and platelet aggregation in participants dually enrolled in the SHHS (Sleep Heart and Health Study) and FHS (Framingham Heart Study). We applied linear regression models with adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates and explored interactions with OSA and CVD-related factors, including age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, OSA diagnosis (apnea-hypopnea index 4%≥5), and aspirin use. Our final sample was of 482 participants (60 years [14.00], 50.4% female). No associations were observed between apnea-hypopnea index 4% and platelet aggregation in the main sample. Stratified analysis revealed an association in aspirin users (n=65) for our primary exposure (apnea-hypopnea index 4%, β=0.523; P<0.001; n=65), and secondary exposures: hypoxic burden (β=0.358; P<0.001), minimum saturation (β=-0.519; P=0.026), and oxygen desaturation index 3% (β=74.672; P=0.002). No associations were detected in nonaspirin users (n=417).

CONCLUSIONS

No associations were detected between OSA and platelet aggregation in a community sample. Our finding that OSA associates with increased platelet aggregation in the aspirin group, most of whom use it for primary prevention of CVD, suggests that platelet aggregation may mediate the adverse impact of OSA on vascular health in individuals with existing CVD risk, supporting further investigation.

Sleep Apnea is Not an Obstacle for Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Up to 25% of patients requiring hip or knee arthroplasty have sleep apnea (SA), and these patients have historically been excluded from outpatient programs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate same-day discharge failure as well as 30-day complications, readmissions, and unexpected visits.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study comparing patients who have and do not have SA matched for age, sex and arthroplasty type (total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, unicompartimental knee arthroplasty) who underwent primary outpatient surgery between February 2019 and December 2022 in 2 academic hospitals was conducted. Cases with mild SA, moderate SA with a body mass index (BMI) <35, and SA of all severity treated by continuous positive airway pressure machines were eligible. There were 156 patients included (78 cases). Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index. Continuous variables were evaluated by Student's T or Mann-Whitney tests, while categorical data were analyzed by Chi-square or Fisher tests. Univariate analyses were performed to determine discharge failure risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 6 cases (7.7%) and 5 controls (6.4%) who failed to be discharged on surgery day (P = .754), with postoperative hypoxemia (6, [3.8%]) and apnea periods (3, [1.9%]) being the most common causes. Higher BMI (odds ratio = 1.19, P = .013) and general anesthesia (odds ratio = 11.97, P = .004) were found to be risk factors for discharge failure. No difference was observed on 30-day readmissions (P = .497), unexpected visits (P = 1.000), and complications on the Clavien-Dindo Classification (P > .269) and Comprehensive Complication Index (P > .334) scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected patients who have SA can safely undergo outpatient hip or knee arthroplasty. Higher BMI and general anesthesia increased the odds of same-day discharge failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Case-control Study.

Healthy lifestyle is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease, depression and mortality in people at elevated risk of sleep apnea

We assessed: (1) the independent and joint association of obstructive sleep apnea risk and healthy lifestyle with common consequences (excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, cardiovascular disease and stroke) of obstructive sleep apnea; and (2) the effect of healthy lifestyle on survival in people with increased obstructive sleep apnea risk. Data from 13,694 adults (median age 46 years; 50% men) were used for cross-sectional and survival analyses (mortality over 15 years). A healthy lifestyle score with values from 0 (most unhealthy) to 5 (most healthy) was determined based on diet, alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking and body mass index. In the cross-sectional analysis, obstructive sleep apnea risk was positively associated with all chronic conditions and excessive daytime sleepiness in a dose-response manner (p for trend < 0.001). The healthy lifestyle was inversely associated with all chronic conditions (p for trend < 0.001) but not with excessive daytime sleepiness (p for trend = 0.379). Higher healthy lifestyle score was also associated with reduced odds of depression and cardiovascular disease. We found an inverse relationship between healthy lifestyle score with depression (p for trend < 0.001), cardiovascular disease (p for trend = 0.003) and stroke (p for trend = 0.025) among those who had high obstructive sleep apnea risk. In the survival analysis, we found an inverse association between healthy lifestyle and all-cause mortality for all categories of obstructive sleep apnea risk (moderate/high- and high-risk groups [p for trend < 0.001]). This study emphasises the crucial role of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating the effects of obstructive sleep apnea risk in individuals with an elevated obstructive sleep apnea risk.

Inclusion of blood pressure parameter increases predictive capability of severe obstructive sleep apnea: A decision tree approach

Few studies included objective blood pressure (BP) to construct the predictive model of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study used binary logistic regression model (BLRM) and the decision tree method (DTM) to constructed the predictive models for identifying severe OSA, and to compare the prediction capability between the two methods. Totally 499 adult patients with severe OSA and 1421 non-severe OSA controls examined at the Sleep Medicine Center of a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan between October 2016 and April 2019 were enrolled. OSA was diagnosed through polysomnography. Data on BP, demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, comorbidity histories, and sleep questionnaires were collected. BLRM and DTM were separately applied to identify predictors of severe OSA. The performance of risk scores was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). In BLRM, body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2, and Snore Outcomes Survey score ≤55 were significant predictors of severe OSA (AUC 0.623). In DTM, mean SpO2 <96%, average systolic BP ≥135 mmHg, and BMI ≥39 kg/m2 were observed to effectively differentiate cases of severe OSA (AUC 0.718). The AUC for the predictive models produced by the DTM was higher in older adults than in younger adults (0.807 vs. 0.723) mainly due to differences in clinical predictive features. In conclusion, DTM, using a different set of predictors, seems more effective in identifying severe OSA than BLRM. Differences in predictors ascertained demonstrated the necessity for separately constructing predictive models for younger and older adults.

New Modifiable Risk Factors Influencing Coronary Artery Disease Severity

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the first culprit in this group. In terms of CAD, not only its presence but also its severity plays a role in the patient's treatment and prognosis. CAD complexity can be assessed with the indicator named the SYNTAX score (SS). A higher SS is associated with major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrence in short- and long-term observations. Hence, the risk factors affecting CAD severity based on SS results may help lower the risk among patients with already developed CAD to reduce their impact on coronary atherosclerosis progression. The well-established risk factors of CAD are consistent with those associated with the coronary plaque burden. However, recently, it was shown that new indicators exist, which we present in this paper, that significantly contribute to CAD complexity such as inflammatory parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), ratios based on blood smear results, and uric acid. Moreover, microbiota alteration, vitamin D deficiency, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also predicted CAD severity. However, sometimes, certain indicators were revealed as significant only in terms of chronic coronary syndromes (CCSs) or specific acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Importantly, there is a need to apply the interdisciplinary and translational approach to the novel CAD severity risk assessment to maximize the impact of secondary prevention among patients at risk of coronary atherosclerosis progression.

The Repeatability of Pharyngeal Opening Pressure Under Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

Pharyngeal opening pressure (PhOP) is a measure of upper airway collapsibility that can be obtained during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. However, the stability of PhOP over the course of sedation during DISE remains unclear. This study aims to compare repeat measures of PhOP over the course of DISE.

STUDY DESIGN

Single arm prospective study.

SETTING

Single tertiary care institution.

METHODS

Patients had 2 CPAP titrations while undergoing DISE. Collected data included patient demographics, PhOP, patient sedation index (PSI), and duration of and between CPAP titrations. t Tests, test-retest coefficient analysis, and repeated measures correlation were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients completed the study between 2022 and 2023 with 22 patients having sedation depth (PSI) recording. Most were male (76%), obese (average body mass index: 30.24 kg/m2), with severe obstructive sleep apnea (average apnea-hypopnea index: 39.8 events/hr). Test-retest analysis showed good-excellent correlation between PhOP values (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.892, P < .0001, n = 25). Average time between CPAP titrations was 15 minutes to 6 seconds. Over that time, PhOP increased by an average of 0.72 cmH2O (P = .06, n = 25) and PSI decreased by 9.5 units (P = .01, n = 22). Repeated measures correlation showed a weak negative correlation between PhOP and PSI (r = -.45, P = .03, n = 22).

CONCLUSION

The results showed repeatability of PhOP values over the course of DISE. When adjusted for sedation depth (PSI), deeper sedation was weakly associated with greater PHOP. However, the magnitude of this change was small and we conclude that PhOP remains relatively stable over the course of DISE (Effects of Lung Volume on Upper Airway Patency During DISE [DISE-Pulm], NCT05350332, clinicaltrials.gov).

Assessment and management of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patient with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired daytime functioning, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective therapy for moderate to severe OSA. Although CPAP adherence is commonly assessed using a 4-hthreshold, determining the optimal usage time based on clinical outcomes is crucial. While subjective sleepiness often improves with ≥4 h of CPAP usage, an extended duration (≥6 h) may be necessary to impact objective sleepiness. CPAP demonstrated a modest yet clinically meaningful dose-dependent effect on lowering blood pressure. For patients seeking antihypertensive benefits from CPAP therapy, the goal should extend beyond 4 h of use to maximize the therapeutic impact. Recognizing individual variations in sleep duration and responses to CPAP therapy is essential. The adoption of 'individualized goals for CPAP use,' outlining target times for specific outcomes, should also consider an individual's total sleep duration, including periods without CPAP. The impact of CPAP on clinical outcomes may vary, even with the same duration of CPAP use, depending on the period without CPAP use, particularly during the first or second half of sleep. Patients who remove or initiate CPAP midway or have a low CPAP usage frequency may require different forms of guidance. Tailoring patient education to address CPAP usage patterns may be necessary to enhanced satisfaction, self-efficacy, and adherence to therapy. Management of CPAP treatment should be personalized to meet individual needs and adapted based on specific response patterns for achieving treatment efficacy.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea severity and depression risk: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms. The systematic review was conducted to confirm the dose‒response connection between OSA severity and depression risk. A systematic literature search of English and Chinese articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and SinoMed databases from their inception to 28 August 2023 was conducted. An evaluation using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale was performed. A meta-analysis was used to evaluate the impact of OSA severity. A random-effects dose‒response model was conducted to evaluate the linear and nonlinear dose‒response connections. We evaluated publication bias by funnel plots, and symmetry by Egger's test. We identified 18 cross-sectional researches. 3143 participants which were involved in the dose‒response meta-analysis. Contrasted with mild OSA, individuals with severe OSA had a higher adjusted risk of depression (rate ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.70), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 70.9%, Pheterogeneity<0.001). There is a significant linear connection between OSA severity and depression risk. The depression risk increased by 0.4% for every 1 event per hour increase in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The protocol for this unfunded research was drafted and registered at PROSPERO (ID CRD42023474097).

Globus sensation in obstructive sleep apnea patients; A cross-sectional study of 120 patients

PURPOSE

Globus pharyngeus (GP) is a common complaint in many disciplines, especially otolaryngology. Pharyngeal symptoms and abnormalities, including GP, are frequent in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. This study aims to investigate globus sensation in non-operated OSA patients.

METHODS

After translation and validation, the Laryngopharyngeal Measure of Perceived Sensation (LUMP) was administered to 120 untreated OSA patients. All patients underwent polysomnography and thorough physical examination. The association between LUMP scores and OSA measures was evaluated.

RESULTS

LUMP score had a significant correlation with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (Spearman's ρ = 0.269, p = 0.004), and BMI (Spearman's ρ = 0.249, p = 0.007), the anatomical position of the tongue (ρ = -0.191, p = 0.04) and the Friedman grade of tonsils (ρ = 0.241, p = 0.01). It correlated with SpO2 nadir, though it did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study depict a relationship between a self-report measure of globus sensation and daytime sleepiness, BMI and tonsil size. In the absence of a direct relationship between OSA severity parameters and GP, we hypothesize a role for shared comorbidities and anatomical phenotypes. The increased frequency of GP in OSA patients should be considered when evaluating the complications of surgical interventions in these patients.

Homocysteine as a predictor of apnea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnea: a longitudinal epidemiological study (EPISONO)

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects nearly 1 billion people globally, and has established links with cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications. Although it has some limitations, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is commonly used to gauge OSA severity and therapeutic response. Homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, when impaired, can elicit cellular senescence mechanisms that may be shared with OSA. Hence, our objective was to explore the role of Hcy concentrations both as a predictor of AHI values and as a potential risk factor for OSA.

METHODS

Involving 1042 volunteers aged 20 to 80 years, the initial study (2007) included polysomnographic evaluations, questionnaires on sleep and general health, as well as biochemical analyses. After an 8-year interval, 715 participants from the initial study were invited for a follow-up assessment in 2015.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that Hcy was a predictor for an increased AHI, and AHI increased over time. Individuals with plasma Hcy concentrations ≥ 15 µmol/L experienced an average AHI increase of 7.43 events/hour ([beta coefficient] β = 7.43; 95%CI 2.73 to 12.13) over time, compared to those with plasma concentrations < 10 µmol/L. A similar trend was apparent in those with plasma Hcy concentrations between 10 ≥  and  < 15 µmol/L, who had an AHI increase with an average beta coefficient of 3.20 events/hour (95%CI 1.01 to 5.39) compared to those with plasma Hcy concentrations < 10 µmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study suggests that increased plasma Hcy concentrations could be considered a risk factor for the development of OSA. These findings highlight that elevated plasma Hcy concentrations can predict the severity of OSA, underscoring their correlation with the AHI.

The effects of obstructive sleep apnea on blood pressure variability and load in patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension frequently coexists with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and their interplay substantially impacts the prognosis of affected individuals. Investigating the influence of OSA on blood pressure variability (BPV) and blood pressure load (BPL) in hypertensive patients has become a focal point of clinical research.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited hypertensive patients (n = 265) without discrimination and classified them into four groups based on their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): control group (n = 40), AHI < 5; mild group (n = 74), 5 ≤ AHI ≤ 15; moderate group (n = 68), 15 < AHI ≤ 30; severe group (n = 83), AHI > 30. All participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including polysomnography (PSG) monitoring, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring, cardiac Doppler ultrasound, and additional examinations when indicated.

RESULTS

BPV and BPL exhibited significant elevations in the moderate and severe OSA groups compared to the control and mild OSA groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, interventricular septum thickness and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) demonstrated higher values in the moderate and severe OSA groups (P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified noteworthy risk factors for elevated BPV in hypertensive patients with OSA, including AHI, maximum apnea time, total times of oxygen reduction, and mean time of apnea.

CONCLUSION

Hypertensive patients with moderate to severe OSA exhibited substantially increased BPV and BPL. Moreover, BPV was correlated with AHI, maximum apnea time, total times of oxygen reduction, and mean time of apnea in hypertensive patients with OSA.

Genetic Analysis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Relationship with Severe COVID-19

Rationale: Although patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a higher risk for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalization, the causal relationship has remained unexplored. Objectives: To understand the causal relationship between OSA and COVID-19 by leveraging data from vaccination and electronic health records, genetic risk factors from genome-wide association studies, and Mendelian randomization. Methods: We elucidated genetic risk factors for OSA using FinnGen (total N = 377,277), performing genome-wide association. We used the associated variants as instruments for univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses and computed absolute risk reduction against COVID-19 hospitalization with or without vaccination. Results: We identified nine novel loci for OSA and replicated our findings in the Million Veteran Program. Furthermore, MR analysis showed that OSA was a causal risk factor for severe COVID-19 (P = 9.41 × 10-4). Probabilistic modeling showed that the strongest genetic risk factor for OSA at the FTO locus reflected a signal of higher body mass index (BMI), whereas BMI-independent association was seen with the earlier reported SLC9A4 locus and a MECOM locus, which is a transcriptional regulator with 210-fold enrichment in the Finnish population. Similarly, multivariate MR analysis showed that the causality for severe COVID-19 was driven by BMI (multivariate MR P = 5.97 × 10-6, β = 0.47). Finally, vaccination reduced the risk for COVID-19 hospitalization more in the patients with OSA than in the non-OSA controls, with respective absolute risk reductions of 13.3% versus 6.3%. Conclusions: Our analysis identified novel genetic risk factors for OSA and showed that OSA is a causal risk factor for severe COVID-19. The effect is predominantly explained by higher BMI and suggests BMI-dependent effects at the level of individual variants and at the level of comorbid causality.

Latent profile analysis of depression in US adults with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective

This study used latent profile analysis to explore the level of depression among US adults with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) symptoms and to identify different latent categories of depression to gain insight into the characteristic differences between these categories.

Methods

The data of this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, and the subjects with OSAHS symptoms were aged 18 years and older. The latent profile analysis (LPA) method was used to fit the latent depression categories in subjects with OSAHS symptoms. The chi-square test, rank sum test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of depression subgroups in subjects with OSAHS symptoms.

Results

Three latent profiles were identified: low-level (83.7%), moderate-level (14.5%) and high-level (1.8%) depression. The scores of 9 items in the high-level depression group were higher than those in the other two groups. Among them, item 4 "feeling tired or lack of energy" had the highest score in all categories.

Conclusion

Depression in subjects with OSAHS symptoms can be divided into low-level, moderate-level and high-level depression. There are significant differences among different levels of depression in gender, marital status, PIR, BMI, smoking, general health condition, sleep duration and OSAHS symptom severity.

Impacts of mandibular setback with or without maxillary advancement for class III skeletal correction on sleep-related respiratory parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impacts of mandibular setback with or without maxillary advancement for class III skeletal correction on respiratory parameters measured by polysomnography (PSG) and to compare these respiratory parameters between these procedures for class III skeletal correction. Six electronic databases were searched up to June 2023. Studies comparing PSG parameters before and after orthognathic surgery for skeletal class III patients were selected for further analysis. The outcomes of interest were apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), the lowest oxygen saturation (lowest SpO2), the average oxygen saturation (mean SpO2), and the 3% oxygen desaturation index (3% ODI). Data extraction, methodological quality assessment, risk of bias assessment, meta-analysis, and subgroup analysis were performed. Sixteen studies with a total of 476 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for class III skeletal correction were included for meta-analysis. The risk of bias level was moderate for most studies. All PSG parameters before and after orthognathic surgery were not significantly different. The different surgical procedures also did not significantly affect post-operative PSG parameters. 5.8% of patients developed post-operative obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Most of them underwent a large distance of mandibular setback. There is a moderate level of evidence that mandibular setback with or without maxillary advancement for class III skeletal correction does not pre-dispose young and healthy patients to obstructive sleep apnoea when evaluated in the short term after surgery. However, post-operatively developed OSA was found in several isolated cases that underwent a large amount of mandibular setback with or without maxillary advancement.

Implications of depressive mood in OSAHS patients: insights from event-related potential

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a chronic breathing disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep. Although previous studies have shown a link between OSAHS and depressive mood, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mood disorders in OSAHS patients remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the emotion processing mechanism in OSAHS patients with depressive mood using event-related potentials (ERPs).

METHODS

Seventy-four OSAHS patients were divided into the depressive mood and non-depressive mood groups according to their Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. Patients underwent overnight polysomnography and completed various cognitive and emotional questionnaires. The patients were shown facial images displaying positive, neutral, and negative emotions and tasked to identify the emotion category, while their visual evoked potential was simultaneously recorded.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ significantly in age, BMI, and years of education, but showed significant differences in their slow wave sleep ratio (P = 0.039), ESS (P = 0.006), MMSE (P < 0.001), and MOCA scores (P = 0.043). No significant difference was found in accuracy and response time on emotional face recognition between the two groups. N170 latency in the depressive group was significantly longer than the non-depressive group (P = 0.014 and 0.007) at the bilateral parieto-occipital lobe, while no significant difference in N170 amplitude was found. No significant difference in P300 amplitude or latency between the two groups. Furthermore, N170 amplitude at PO7 was positively correlated with the arousal index and negatively with MOCA scores (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

OSAHS patients with depressive mood exhibit increased N170 latency and impaired facial emotion recognition ability. Special attention towards the depressive mood among OSAHS patients is warranted for its implications for patient care.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product: NHANES 2015-2018

BACKGROUND

Obesity refers to a significant contributor to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Early prediction of OSA usually leads to better treatment outcomes, and this study aims to employ novel metabolic markers, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) to evaluate the relationship to OSA.

METHODS

The data used in the current cross-sectional investigation are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was carried out between 2015 and 2018. To examine the correlation between LAP and VAI levels and OSA, multivariate logistic regression analysis was adopted. In addition, various analytical methods were applied, including subgroup analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis.

RESULTS

Among totally 3932 participants, 1934 were included in the OSA group. The median (Q1-Q3) values of LAP and VAI for the participants were 40.25 (21.51-68.26) and 1.27 (0.75-2.21), respectively. Logistic regression studies indicated a positive correlation between LAP, VAI, and OSA risk after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger correlation between LAP, VAI levels, and OSA among individuals aged < 60 years. Through smooth curve fitting, specific saturation effects of LAP, VAI, and BMD were identified, with inflection points at 65.684 and 0.428, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that elevated levels of LAP and VAI increase the risk of OSA, suggesting their potential as predictive markers for OSA and advocating for dietary and exercise interventions to mitigate OSA risk in individuals with high LAP and VAI levels.

High prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) among obese young patients - A retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by ossification of ligaments and entheses, and most commonly affects the spinal column. The prevalence of DISH is increasing with age and is considered uncommon before the age of 50 years, with an estimated prevalence of less than 5 %. DISH is known to be highly associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. We aim to assess the prevalence of DISH among young (≤50 yr.) patients suffering from severe obesity (BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis assessing chest and spine radiographs (including Computed Tomography, CT) of patients with BMI≥35 visiting the bariatric ambulatory clinic in an academic medical center from 2013 to 2022. Patients included in the analysis were 31-50 years old. Diagnosis of DISH was made according to the Resnick criteria. The prevalence of DISH was calculated. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared between the DISH and non-DISH groups.

RESULTS

183 young (mean age: 40.4; 118 females, 64.2 %) obese (BMI median: 40.6; range 35-73) patients were included in the radiographic review. DISH was diagnosed in 33 patients (18.0 %; 95 % CI: 13.1-24.2 %) which was significantly higher than the expected 10 % (Z = 3.62, p<.001); another 8 patients (4.4 %; 95 % CI: 2.2-8.4 %) were considered as "near DISH" (not fulfilling yet the Resnick criteria) as it represents a pre-disease state. Patients diagnosed with DISH were significantly older than patients without DISH (t = 4.54, p<.001), as the prevalence of DISH increased by age (linear association=14.95, p<.001). There was a statistically significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (χ2 = 8.30, p<.004), smoking (χ2 = 4.69, p<.03) and OSA (χ2 = 6.16, p<.013) in the DISH group as compared to their non-DISH counterparts.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DISH among obese young patients was 18 %, which is much higher than in the general population. Early-onset DISH should be regarded as a musculoskeletal obesity-related complication.

[Obstructive sleep apnea in cardiology clinical practice. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study]

Objective

To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, diagnostic feasibility of home respiratory polygraphy and treatment of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at cardiovascular risk.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients seen in a cardiology outpatient service with suspected OSA, from January 2015 to December 2019. The information was obtained from medical records, and a descriptive statistical analysis was applied to this information.

Results

138 files were reviewed; only 8% of the home respiratory polygraphs were discarded, because they did not meet the required quality standards. It was demonstrated that 89% suffered from OSA, 60% moderate to severe; in men after 50 years of age. The main cardiovascular risk factors was hypertension (89%). The most prevalent heart disease was hypertension (52%). Cardiovascular pharmacological treatment was improved in 82% of the cases. Cardiac rehabilitation in 30%, noninvasive mechanical ventilation 41%, fixed modality 33%, and self-adjustable 9%, all with telemetry.

Conclusions

The prevalence and severity of OSA is higher in the presence of risk or established cardiovascular disease. In the presence of clinical suspicion, it is feasible to confirm the diagnosis with home respiratory poligrafy due to the level of precision and the lower infrastructure required. Greater involvement of the cardiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is necessary due to the significant risk of cardiovascular disease it represents.

A Narrative Review of Self-Reported Scales to Evaluate Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent chronic condition that has been associated with mental disorders like depression and anxiety. This study intends to provide a practical overview of the most relevant self-reported and self-rating scales that assess depression and anxiety in OSA patients. Materials and Methods: A search for articles was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar using a combination of words for obstructive sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and scales. The tools were ordered by type (screening and rating) and arranged chronologically according to the year of publication. Results: Three scales were identified for assessing depression, which were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). For rating depression, two scales were discussed: the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which has three versions (the BDI, the BDI-II, and the Fast Screen (BDI-FS)). For assessing anxiety, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale was identified. Two scales were reviewed for rating anxiety: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Each scale is accompanied by a brief description of its practicality and psychometric qualities and an analysis of its strengths and limitations. Conclusions: The findings of this review will contribute to the understanding of the importance of assessing mental health comorbidities in the context of OSA, ultimately guiding clinical practice and future research in this area.

ANMCO (Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists) scientific statement: obesity in adults-an approach for cardiologists

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to its management. In clinical practice, body mass index and waist-related measurements can be used for obesity screening. The estimated prevalence of obesity among adults worldwide is 12%. With the expected further increase in overall obesity prevalence, clinicians will increasingly be managing patients with obesity. Energy balance is regulated by a complex neurohumoral system that involves the central nervous system and circulating mediators, among which leptin is the most studied. The functioning of these systems is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Obesity generally occurs when a genetically predisposed individual lives in an obesogenic environment for a long period. Cardiologists are deeply involved in evaluating patients with obesity. Cardiovascular risk profile is one of the most important items to be quantified to understand the health risk due to obesity and the clinical benefit that a single patient can obtain with weight loss. At the individual level, appropriate patient involvement, the detection of potential obesity causes, and a multidisciplinary approach are tools that can improve clinical outcomes. In the near future, we will probably have new pharmacological tools at our disposal that will facilitate achieving and maintaining weight loss. However, pharmacological treatment alone cannot cure such a complex disease. The aim of this paper is to summarize some key points of this field, such as obesity definition and measurement tools, its epidemiology, the main mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis, health consequences of obesity with a focus on cardiovascular diseases and the obesity paradox.Level of evidence V: report of expert committees.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Influence on Intracranial Aneurysm

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with cerebrovascular disease, which can lead to life-threatening outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between OSAS and comorbid intracranial aneurysms. We retrospectively reviewed 564 patients who underwent a polysomnography and brain magnetic resonance angiography as part of their health checkup. We calculated the prevalence of an intracranial aneurysm and OSAS in patients and measured the size of the intracranial aneurysm if present. The mean patient age was 55.6 ± 8.5 years, and 82.3% of them were men. The prevalence of an intracranial aneurysm in patients with OSAS was 12.1%, which is significantly higher than patients with non-OSAS (5.9%, p = 0.031). Patients with OSAS had a much higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms, after adjusting all possible confounding factors such as age, sex, smoking status, alcohol drinking, and body mass index (odds ratio: 2.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-5.04). Additionally, the OSAS group had noticeably larger aneurysms compared with those of the non-OSAS group (3.2 ± 2.0 mm vs. 2.0 ± 0.4 mm, p = 0.013). We found a significant association between OSAS and intracranial aneurysms. OSAS could be another risk factor for the development of intracranial aneurysms.

Cardiovascular diseases across OSA phenotypes: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Despite the considerable knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) implications for cardiac diseases, the evidence regarding cardiovascular complications across OSA phenotypes including Rapid Eye Movement OSA (REM-OSA) and Positional OSA (POSA) is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases development and progression among patients with REM-OSA and POSA.

Methods

Based on a retrospective cohort analysis, we included polysomnography studies done in the sleep lab at the Jordan University Hospital. Regarding cardiovascular diseases, primary outcomes were Heart Failure, and 1-years Major Adverse Cardiac Events while secondary outcomes were atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, other arrhythmia, metabolic profile, and echocardiographic measurements of the heart.

Results

The total number of the included patients was 1,026 patients. POSA group had significantly lower percentage of patients with hypertension (P-value = 0.004). Additionally, systolic blood pressure and HbA1c were significantly lower among patients with POSA compared to the NPOSA group (P-value<0.050). Left ventricular end diastolic dimension was significantly higher among patients with POSA while ejection fraction was significantly lower (P-value<0.050). Patients with diabetes and mean HbA1c were significantly lower among patients with REM-OSA compared to patients with NREM-OSA (P-value = 0.015, P-value = 0.046). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, gender and preexisting comorbidities, POSA was significantly associated with lower ejection fraction and higher left ventricular diastolic diameter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings indicate that POSA might be associated with huge and clinically significant heart strain and poor cardiac functions, yet it might not have a clinically significant atherogenic effect. This study should guide clinicians to identify OSA phenotypes to imply the best treatment plan to reduce its detrimental impact on cardiac muscle.

Association of modifiable risk factors with obstructive sleep apnea: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The risk factors involved in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have not been clearly identified yet. We attempted to systematically investigate genetically predicted modifiable risk factors and lifestyle behaviors associated with OSA.

METHODS

The association between 34 risk factors and OSA was evaluated using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Genetic variants for risk factors were acquired from European-descent genome-wide studies. Data sources for OSA were extracted from FinnGen study with 16,761 cases and 201,194 controls. The primary analysis chosen was the inverse-variance weighted method.

RESULTS

MR analyses provide evidence of genetically predicted poor overall health rating (odds ratio (OR), 2.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.95-4.08), nap during day (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.37-2.93), high body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.09-1.19), increased body fat mass (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.83-2.05), elevated body water mass (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.31-1.70) and hypertension (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.34-2.45) were associated with higher OSA risk, while high education level (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40-0.75) correlated with reduced OSA risk. Suggestive evidence was obtained for smoking and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with higher OSA odds, and vigorous physical activity, and HDL cholesterol with lower OSA odds. After adjusting for BMI using multivariable MR analysis, the effects of smoking, WHR, vigorous physical activity, and HDL-cholesterol were fully attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

This MR study indicates that overall health rating, nap during day, BMI, body fat mass, body water mass, hypertension, and education are causally associated with the risk of OSA, which means that these modifiable risk factors are key targets for OSA prevention.

The joint association of ambient air pollution and different sleep posture with mild obstructive sleep apnea: A study conducted at Taipei Sleep Center

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests the detrimental impact of supine position and air pollution on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as the potential benefits of nonsupine positions. However, their interaction effects on OSA remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the interaction effects of air pollution (NO2/PM2.5) and sleep position on OSA on additive and multiplicative scales.

METHODS

This study included 3330 individuals. Personal exposure to air pollution was assessed using a spatiotemporal model. OSA was diagnosed through polysomnography. The associations of supine and nonsupine positions and air pollutants with mild-OSA and their interaction effects on mild-OSA. were explored through generalized logistic regression.

RESULTS

Supine position and high NO2 level independently increased the risk of mild-OSA, while PM2.5 was not associated with mild-OSA. Significant interactions were observed between supine position and NO2 at different lag periods (0-7 days, 0-1 year, and 0-2 years) (P = 0.042, 0.013, and 0.010, respectively). The relative excess risks due to interactions on the additive scale for 1-week, 1-year, and 2-year NO2 exposure and supine position were 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.10-1.16), 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.13-0.99), and 0.64 (95 % CI: 0.18-1.10); the corresponding odds ratios for interactions on the multiplicative scale were 1.45 (95 % CI: 1.01-2.07), 1.55 (95 % CI: 1.09-2.22), and 1.60 (95 % CI: 1.12-2.28). The positive interactions persisted in men and participants with obesity. No interaction was observed between nonsupine position and NO2 levels; nevertheless, significant interactions were noted on both the negative additive and multiplicative scales in men.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged supine sleep significantly increased the risk of mild-OSA, particularly in men and individuals with obesity. Although the benefits of nonsupine position are considerably less than the risks of NO2 exposure, avoiding prolonged supine sleep may reduce the risk of mild-OSA caused by high levels of NO2 in men.

A systematic review with meta-analysis to assess Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in adults with or without obstructive sleep apnoea

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to design a meta-analysis evaluating the positron emission tomography (PET) uptake and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), circulating levels of amyloid-β (Aβ), and tau proteins OSA group versus control group, as well as the association of these biomarkers with the severity of OSA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four databases were searched until April 17, 2023, without any restrictions. The effect sizes were the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 21 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. The pooled SMDs of the CSF levels in OSA adults compared to controls were: -0.82 (P=0.004) for Aβ42, -1.13 (P<0.001) for Aβ40, 0.17 (P=0.23) for p-tau, 0.04 (P=0.65) for t-tau, 0.08 (P=0.89) for Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, and 0.81 (P=0.001) for t-tau/Aβ42 ratio. The pooled SMD for the PET uptake of Aβ burden in OSA adults compared to controls was 0.30 (P=0.03). The pooled SMDs of the circulating levels in OSA adults compared to controls were: 0.67 (P=0.002) for Aβ42, 0.11 (P=0.82) for Aβ40, 0.35 (P=0.06) for p-tau, and 1.41(P=0.005) for t-tau. The pooled SMDs for levels of Aβ42, Aβ40, total Aβ, p-tau, t-tau, and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in severe OSA adults compared to mild/moderate OSA adults were -0.15 (P=0.33), 0.25 (P=35), 0.04 (P=87), -2.53 (P=0.24), -0.24 (P=0.52), and -0.28 (P=0.30), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that CSF levels of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in OSA adults were significantly lower, but the CSF level of t-tau/Aβ42 ratio and PET Aβ burden uptake in OSA adults significantly were higher than in controls.

Chemogenetic inhibition of NTS astrocytes normalizes cardiac autonomic control and ameliorate hypertension during chronic intermittent hypoxia

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), which has been linked to the development of sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Furthermore, it has been shown that CIH induced inflammation and neuronal hyperactivation in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a key brainstem region involved in sympathetic and cardiovascular regulation. Since several studies have proposed that NTS astrocytes may mediate neuroinflammation, we aimed to determine the potential contribution of NTS-astrocytes on the pathogenesis of CIH-induced hypertension.

RESULTS

Twenty-one days of CIH induced autonomic imbalance and hypertension in rats. Notably, acute chemogenetic inhibition (CNO) of medullary NTS astrocytes using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designers Drugs (DREADD) restored normal cardiac variability (LF/HF: 1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3, Sham vs. CIH vs. CIH + CNO, respectively) and markedly reduced arterial blood pressure in rats exposed to CIH (MABP: 82.7 ± 1.2 vs. 104.8 ± 4.4 vs. 89.6 ± 0.9 mmHg, Sham vs. CIH vs. CIH + CNO, respectively). In addition, the potentiated sympathoexcitation elicit by acute hypoxic chemoreflex activation in rats exposed to CIH was also completely abolished by chemogenetic inhibition of NTS astrocytes using DREADDs.

CONCLUSION

Our results support a role for NTS astrocytes in the maintenance of heightened sympathetic drive and hypertension during chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia mimicking OSA.

The Beginning of the AI-Enabled Preventative PAP Therapy Era: A First-in-Human Proof of Concept Interventional Study

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the most common and efficacious treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). However, it suffers from poor patient adherence due to discomfort and may not fully alleviate all adverse consequences of OSA. Identifying abnormal respiratory events before they have occurred may allow for improved management of PAP levels, leading to improved adherence and better patient outcomes. Our previous work has resulted in the successful development of a Machine-Learning (ML) algorithm for the prediction of future apneic events using existing airflow and air pressure sensors available internally to PAP devices. Although researchers have studied the use of ML for the prediction of apneas, research to date has focused primarily on using external polysomnography sensors that add to patient discomfort and has not investigated the use of internal-to-PAP sensors such as air pressure and airflow to predict and prevent respiratory events. We hypothesized that by using our predictive software, OSA events could be proactively prevented while maintaining patients' sleep quality. An intervention protocol was developed and applied to all patients to prevent OSA events. Although the protocol's cool-down period limited the number of prevention attempts, analysis of 11 participants revealed that our system improved many sleep parameters, which included a statistically significant 31.6% reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index, while maintaining sleep quality. Most importantly, our findings indicate the feasibility of unobtrusive identification and unique prevention of each respiratory event as well as paving the path to future truly personalized PAP therapy by further training of ML models on individual patients.

Effect of Sleep-Disordered Breathing on Exercise Capacity after Myocardial Infarction - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Exercise capacity reflects the cardiovascular risk after myocardial infarction (MI). The study aims to evaluate the impact of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) on exercise capacity after MI.

Methods

Consecutive patients referring to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation up to 28 days after MI and participating in the Polish Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) program were included. On admission, we assessed the presence and the severity of SDB using the home sleep apnea test (HSAT), patients' maximum exercise capacity on a treadmill exercise stress test (EST), and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), as well as the effect of SDB on the results obtained. In the multivariate analysis, we verified the strength of the observed associations concerning age, anthropometric parameters, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

A total of 254 patients aged 60.00 (interquartile range 51.00-67.00), including 39 (15.4%) women, with technically adequate HSAT, constituted the study group. Mild SDB was found in 82 (32.3%), moderate in 54 (21.3%), and severe in 51 (20.1%) patients. Among those diagnosed with SDB, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was dominant in 167 (89.8%). With the worsening of SDB, the distance in 6MWT and the maximum physical exertion achieved in EST, expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs) and maximal heart rate (MHR), decreased. The linear regression analysis confirmed the following: (1) inversely proportional relationship between the respiratory event index and METs, MHR, and 6MWT distance (p = 0.005, p = 0.008, and p = 0.004), and the maximum apnea duration and MET and 6MWT distance (p = 0.042 and p = 0.002); and (2) directly proportional relationship between mean arterial oxygen saturation ( SpO 2 ) during sleep and MET, MHR, and 6MWT distance (p = 0.019, p = 0.006, and p = 0.013), and minimum SpO 2 and MET and MHR (p = 0.040 and p < 0.001). However, the independent risk factors for impaired exercise capacity, determined using multivariable regression analysis, were age, female sex, higher body mass index (BMI), and decreased LVEF, but not SDB parameters.

Conclusions

SDB negatively impacts exercise capacity after MI. However, the strength of this association may be less pronounced due to the interaction of risk factors common for SDB and impaired exercise capacity, e.g., sex, age, BMI, and LVEF.

Adipokines and Inflammatory Markers in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Comparative Analysis

An association has been suggested between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Considering the role of adipose-tissue-derived inflammatory mediators (adipokines) and the shared risk factor of obesity in OSA and AMI, this study aimed to investigate the involvement of adipokines in AMI patients with and without OSA. Serum levels of adipokines and inflammatory mediators were quantified, and home respiratory polygraphy was conducted. A total of 30 AMI patients and 25 controls were included. Patients with AMI exhibited elevated levels of resistin (7.4 vs. 3.7 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (8.8 vs. 1.3 pg/mL), and endothelin-1 (3.31 vs. 1.8 pg/mL). Remarkably, AMI patients with concomitant OSA exhibited higher levels of resistin (7.1 vs. 3.7 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (8.9 vs. 1.3 pg/mL), endothelin-1 (3.2 vs. 1.8 pg/mL), creatin kinase (1430 vs. 377 U/L), creatine kinase-MB (64.6 vs. 9.7 ng/mL), and troponin T (2298 vs. 356 pg/mL) than their non-OSA counterparts. Leptin showed a correlation with OSA severity markers. OSA was associated with greater cardiac damage in AMI patients. Our findings underscore that adipokines alone are not sufficient to discriminate the risk of AMI in the presence of OSA. Further research is necessary to determine the potential mechanisms contributing to exacerbated cardiac damage in patients with both conditions.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Primary Healthcare Centers in the South Region of Abha City

Background Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). This issue is of considerable importance in the field of public health, as it has a global impact on a substantial number of individuals. The primary emphasis in the management of type 2 diabetes is centered around achieving glycemic control, implementing lifestyle adjustments, and employing pharmaceutical therapies as preventive measures or for the purpose of managing problems that may arise as a result of the disease. Aim This research aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep-belated issues among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methodology A total of 230 participants with type 2 diabetes patients of primary healthcare in Abha city whose age is ≥18 years were included in the study. The data collection process involved the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire that assessed various aspects of sleep disturbances, including difficulties in falling asleep, waking up during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and restless legs or leg muscle cramps. The questionnaire also collected demographic information and data on potential risk factors such as alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and smoking/tobacco product use. Data analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and significance levels were set at p < 0.05. Results The findings revealed a prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Difficulties in falling asleep and waking up during the night were reported by a substantial proportion of participants, and a notable number experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. Restless legs or leg muscle cramps that interrupted sleep were experienced occasionally by 16.5% and frequently by 8.7% of the participants. The study also found a significant association between the presence of sleep problems and lower sleep quality ratings. However, no significant associations were found between sleep disturbances and the duration of type 2 diabetes or the examined risk factors. Conclusion The findings from this study emphasize the detrimental effects of sleep disturbances on sleep quality and suggest that improving sleep quality can positively influence the overall health and well-being of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Investigating associations between social determinants, self-efficacy measurement of sleep apnea and CPAP adherence: the SEMSA study

Study objectives

The prospective Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea study (SEMSAS) is investigating thresholds for health literacy, self-efficacy and precariousness at obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis to predict CPAP adherence. This paper describes the study protocol and presents baseline data from the ongoing study.

Methods

Eligible individuals had confirmed OSA and were referred to a homecare provider for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy initiation. Data on patient characteristics and comorbidities were collected, along with baseline evaluations of self-efficacy [15-item Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea tool (SEMSA-15)], precariousness [Deprivation in Primary Care Questionnaire (DipCareQ)], and health literacy (Health Literacy Questionnaire). CPAP adherence over 12 months of follow-up will be determined using remote monitoring of CPAP device data. The primary objective is to define an optimal SEMSA-15 score threshold to predict CPAP adherence at 3- and 12-month follow-up.

Results

Enrollment of 302 participants (71% male, median age 55 years, median body mass index 31.6 kg/m²) is complete. Low self-efficacy (SEMSA-15 score ≤ 2.78) was found in 93/302 participants (31%), and 38 (12.6%) reported precariousness (DipCareQ score > 1); precariousness did not differ significantly between individuals with a SEMSA-15 score ≤ 2.78 versus >2.78. Health literacy was generally good, but was significantly lower in individuals with versus without precariousness, and with low versus high self-efficacy.

Conclusion

SEMSAS is the first study using multidimensional baseline assessment of self-efficacy, health literacy and precariousness, plus other characteristics, to determine future adherence to CPAP, including CPAP adherence trajectories. Collection of follow-up data is underway.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Narrative Literature Review

The purpose of this review was to analyze the available literature on the subject of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. We searched for available articles for the time period from 2013 to 2023. Obesity is listed as one of the most important health issues. Complications of obesity, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) listed among them, are common problems in clinical practice. Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for OSA, but OSA itself may contribute to worsening obesity. Bariatric surgery is a treatment of choice for severely obese patients, especially with present complications, and remains the only causative treatment for patients with OSA. Though improvement in OSA control in patients after bariatric surgery is well-established knowledge, the complete resolution of OSA is achieved in less than half of them. The determination of subpopulations of patients in whom bariatric surgery would be especially advantageous is an important issue of OSA management. Increasing the potential of non-invasive strategies in obesity treatment requires studies that assess the efficacy and safety of combined methods.

Safety and pharmacodynamics of a single infusion of danavorexton in adults with obstructive sleep apnea experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate use of CPAP

BACKGROUND

Sleep disruptions experienced by patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and significantly impact patients' quality of life. EDS may persist despite use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Small molecules that target the orexin system, which has a known role in sleep-wake regulation, show therapeutic potential for the treatment of EDS in patients with hypersomnia. This randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1b study aimed to investigate the safety of danavorexton, a small-molecule orexin-2 receptor agonist, and its effects on residual EDS in patients with OSA.

METHODS

Adults with OSA aged 18-67 years with adequate CPAP use were randomized to one of six treatment sequences of single IV infusions of danavorexton 44 mg, danavorexton 112 mg, and placebo. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Pharmacodynamic assessments included maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), and the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Among 25 randomized patients, 16 (64.0%) had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and 12 (48.0%) had TEAEs considered related to treatment, all mild or moderate. Seven patients (28.0%) had urinary TEAEs: three, seven, and none while taking danavorexton 44 mg, danavorexton 112 mg, and placebo, respectively. There were no deaths or TEAEs leading to discontinuation. Improvements in mean MWT, KSS, and PVT scores were observed with danavorexton 44 mg and 112 mg vs placebo. These findings show that danavorexton can improve subjective and objective measures of EDS in patients with OSA and residual EDS despite adequate CPAP use.

Impact of CPAP Therapy Adherence on Global Cognition in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A One-Year Follow-Up

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea increases (OSA) cognitive impairment risk. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence on global cognition using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire (MoCA). Materials and Methods: Thirty-four new patients diagnosed with moderate or severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index AHI ≥ 15 events/h) from the CPAP group were compared with thirty-one moderate to severe OSA patients from the no-CPAP group. In addition, all patients completed the MoCA test, a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, and a generalized anxiety questionnaire (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, at baseline, after 6 months, and after 1 year. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding total MoCA scores, 20.9 ± 3.5 CPAP group to 19.7 ± 2.9 no-CPAP group (p = 0.159), PHQ-9 (p = 0.651), and GAD-7 (p = 0.691). After one year, improvement was observed for a total MoCA score of 22.7 ± 3.5 (p < 0.001) for the CPAP group, and significant variance of score between groups was more accentuated for delayed recall and attention (p < 0.001) sub-topic. Moreover, PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after CPAP therapy. The MoCA score was significantly correlated with years of education (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and had a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.34), ESS (r = -0.30) and PHQ-9 (r = -0.34). Conclusions: One year of CPAP adherence improved global cognition associated with OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Periodontitis-Machine Learning and Statistical Analyses of the Dental, Oral, Medical Epidemiological (DOME) Big Data Study

This study aimed to analyze the associations of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with dental parameters while controlling for socio-demographics, health-related habits, and each of the diseases comprising metabolic syndrome (MetS), its consequences, and related conditions. We analyzed data from the dental, oral, and medical epidemiological (DOME) cross-sectional records-based study that combines comprehensive socio-demographic, medical, and dental databases of a nationally representative sample of military personnel for one year. Analysis included statistical and machine learning models. The study included 132,529 subjects; of these, 318 (0.2%) were diagnosed with OSA. The following parameters maintained a statistically significant positive association with OSA in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis (descending order from highest to lowest OR): obesity (OR = 3.104 (2.178-4.422)), male sex (OR = 2.41 (1.25-4.63)), periodontal disease (OR = 2.01 (1.38-2.91)), smoking (OR = 1.45 (1.05-1.99)), and age (OR = 1.143 (1.119-1.168)). Features importance generated by the XGBoost machine learning algorithm were age, obesity, and male sex (located on places 1-3), which are well-known risk factors of OSA, as well as periodontal disease (fourth place) and delivered dental fillings (fifth place). The Area Under Curve (AUC) of the model was 0.868 and the accuracy was 0.92. Altogether, the findings supported the main hypothesis of the study, which was that OSA is linked to dental morbidity, in particular to periodontitis. The findings highlight the need for dental evaluation as part of the workup of OSA patients and emphasizes the need for dental and general medical authorities to collaborate by exchanging knowledge about dental and systemic morbidities and their associations. The study also highlights the necessity for a comprehensive holistic risk management strategy that takes systemic and dental diseases into account.

The Usefulness of Questionnaires in Assessing the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients in the Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction Program-The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worsens prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) but often remains undiagnosed. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of questionnaires in assessing the risk of OSA in patients participating in managed care after an acute myocardial infarction program. Study group: 438 patients (349 (79.7%) men) aged 59.92 ± 10.92, hospitalized in the day treatment cardiac rehabilitation department 7-28 days after MI. OSA risk assessment: A 4-variable screening tool (4-V), STOP-BANG questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and adjusted neck circumference (ANC). The home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) was performed on 275 participants. Based on four scales, a high risk of OSA was found in 283 (64.6%) responders, including 248 (56.6%) based on STOP-BANG, 163 (37.5%) based on ANC, 115 (26.3%) based on 4-V, and 45 (10.3%) based on ESS. OSA was confirmed in 186 (68.0%) participants: mild in 85 (30.9%), moderate in 53 (19.3%), and severe in 48 (17.5%). The questionnaires' sensitivity and specificity in predicting moderate-to-severe OSA were: for STOP-BANG-79.21% (95% confidence interval; CI 70.0-86.6) and 35.67% (95% CI 28.2-43.7); ANC-61.39% (95% CI 51.2-70.9) and 61.15% (95% CI 53.1-68.8); 4-V-45.54% (95% CI 35.6-55.8) and 68.79% (95% CI 60.9-75.9); ESS-16.83% (95% CI 10.1-25.6) and 87.90% (95% CI 81.7-92.6). OSA is common in post-MI patients. The ANC most accurately estimates the risk of OSA eligible for positive airway pressure therapy. The sensitivity of the ESS in the post-MI population is insufficient and limits this scale's usefulness in risk assessment and qualification for treatment.

Nasal Blockage and Academic Performance Among Medical College Students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Objectives The most frequent otolaryngological complaint is nasal obstruction. We aimed to determine if there is a relationship between nasal blockage and academic performance among medical college students in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional survey carried out from August to December 2022, included 860 medical students determining the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the participants using the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire Risk Probability, then comparing it to their socio-demographic characteristics, while the Chi-square test was used for the comparison of categorical variables. Result The average age of the participants in our study was 21.52 years; 60% were females and 40% were males. The risk of obstructive sleep apnea was found to be two times higher in females than in males (95% CI: 1.195- 3.345; p-value 0.008). The hypertensive participants had a 27-fold increased risk of OSA compared to non-hypertensives. Grade Point Average (GPA) and snoring had a statistically significant relationship, however, a fifth of the participants reported snoring (79.8% reported not snoring). We also found that 14.8% of the participants with snoring had a GPA between 2-4.49 compared to 44.6% of participants without snoring. Conclusion Female students had a two-fold higher chance of developing OSA than males. While a GPA of 4.5 and above was more often associated with participants without snoring, the number of individuals with a GPA of 2-4.49 was greater among participants with snoring. To aid in the prevention of illness complications and the management of risk factors, additional efforts should be made to increase disease knowledge among students, primary healthcare practitioners, and specialty doctors.

Association between preserved ratio impaired spirometry and sleep apnea in a Chinese community

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) in a community population.

METHODS

Baseline data from a prospective cohort study, the Predictive Value of Combining Inflammatory Biomarkers and Rapid Decline of FEV1 for COPD (PIFCOPD), were used for cross-sectional analysis. Participants aged 40-75 years were recruited from the community and their demographic information and medical history were collected. The STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) was used to assess the risk of OSA. Pulmonary function tests were performed using a portable spirometer (COPD-6) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 6 s (FEV6) were measured. Routine blood, biochemical, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 tests were also performed. The pH of the exhaled breath condensate was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 1183 participants were enrolled, of which 221 with PRISm and 962 with normal lung function. The neck circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, hs-CRP concentration, proportion of males, cigarette exposure, number of current smoker, high risk of OSA, and prevalence of nasal and ocular allergy symptoms were significantly higher in the PRISm group than in the non-PRISm group (p < .05). Logistic regression showed that the risk of OSA (odds ratio, 1.883; 95% confidence interval, 1.245-2.848), waist-to-hip ratio, current smoking, and prevalence of nasal allergy symptoms were independently associated with PRISm after correcting for age and sex.

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that OSA prevalence is independently associated with PRISm prevalence. Further studies should confirm the relationship between systemic inflammation in OSA, localized inflammation of the airways, and impaired lung function.

Central Apneic Event Prevalence in REM and NREM Sleep in OSA Patients: A Retrospective, Exploratory Study

Patients with sleep-disordered breathing show a combination of different respiratory events (central, obstructive, mixed), with one type being predominant. We observed a reduced prevalence of central apneic events (CAEs) during REM sleep compared to NREM sleep in patients with predominant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this retrospective, exploratory study was to describe this finding and to suggest pathophysiological explanations. The polysomnography (PSG) data of 141 OSA patients were assessed for the prevalence of CAEs during REM and NREM sleep. On the basis of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), patients were divided into three OSA severity groups (mild: AHI < 15/h; moderate: AHI = 15-30/h; severe: AHI > 30/h). We compared the frequency of CAEs adjusted for the relative length of REM and NREM sleep time, and a significantly increased frequency of CAEs in NREM was found only in severely affected OSA patients. Given that the emergence of CAEs is strongly associated with the chemosensitivity of the brainstem nuclei regulating breathing mechanics in humans, a sleep-stage-dependent chemosensitivity is proposed. REM-sleep-associated neuronal circuits in humans may act protectively against the emergence of CAEs, possibly by reducing chemosensitivity. On the contrary, a significant increase in the chemosensitivity of the brainstem nuclei during NREM sleep is suggested.

Screening the risk of obstructive sleep apnea by utilizing supervised learning techniques based on anthropometric features and snoring events

Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is typically diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG). However, PSG is time-consuming and has some clinical limitations. This study thus aimed to establish machine learning models to screen for the risk of having moderate-to-severe and severe OSA based on easily acquired features.

Methods

We collected PSG data on 3529 patients from Taiwan and further derived the number of snoring events. Their baseline characteristics and anthropometric measures were obtained, and correlations among the collected variables were investigated. Next, six common supervised machine learning techniques were utilized, including random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), and naïve Bayes (NB). First, data were independently separated into a training and validation dataset (80%) and a test dataset (20%). The approach with the highest accuracy in the training and validation phase was employed to classify the test dataset. Next, feature importance was investigated by calculating the Shapley value of every factor, which represented the impact on OSA risk screening.

Results

The RF produced the highest accuracy (of >70%) in the training and validation phase in screening for both OSA severities. Hence, we employed the RF to classify the test dataset, and results showed a 79.32% accuracy for moderate-to-severe OSA and 74.37% accuracy for severe OSA. Snoring events and the visceral fat level were the most and second most essential features of screening for OSA risk.

Conclusions

The established model can be considered for screening for the risk of having moderate-to-severe or severe OSA.

Snoring Index and Neck Circumference as Predictors of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background. Snoring is the cardinal symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The acoustic features of snoring sounds include intra-snore (including snoring index [SI]) and inter-snore features. However, the correlation between snoring sounds and the severity of OSA according to the apnea−hypopnea index (AHI) is still unclear. We aimed to use the snoring index (SI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to predict OSA and its severity according to the AHI among middle-aged participants referred for polysomnography (PSG). Methods. In total, 50 participants (mean age, 47.5 ± 12.6 years; BMI: 29.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2) who reported snoring and were referred for a diagnosis of OSA and who underwent a whole night of PSG were recruited. Results. The mean AHI was 30.2 ± 27.2, and the mean SI was 87.9 ± 56.3 events/hour. Overall, 11 participants had daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10). The correlation between SI and AHI (r = 0.33, p = 0.021) was significant. Univariate linear regression analysis showed that male gender, body mass index, neck circumference, ESS, and SI were associated with AHI. SI (β = 0.18, p = 0.004) and neck circumference (β = 2.40, p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with AHI by the multivariate linear regression model. Conclusion. The total number of snores per hour of sleep and neck circumference were positively associated with OSA among adults referred for PSG.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements in Patients with COPD-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overlap Syndrome: Time for Action?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) are common conditions that often coexist [Overlap syndrome (OS)]. OS has important implications in the diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcome of both disorders. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential to evaluate symptoms, impact of symptoms on activities of daily living, and treatment response. The present review aims to display the potential usefulness of PROs measurements (PROMs) regarding the initial evaluation and treatment of both conditions (COPD and OSA) in OS patients. More specifically, we review PROMs regarding symptoms, mental health indices and health-related quality of life in patients with OS. These PROMs have the potential to add value to clinical research and daily practice in certain aspects that are important to patients.

Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk by Using Machine Learning Approaches and Anthropometric Features

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a global health concern and is typically diagnosed using in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG). However, PSG is highly time-consuming and labor-intensive. We, therefore, developed machine learning models based on easily accessed anthropometric features to screen for the risk of moderate to severe and severe OSA. We enrolled 3503 patients from Taiwan and determined their PSG parameters and anthropometric features. Subsequently, we compared the mean values among patients with different OSA severity and considered correlations among all participants. We developed models based on the following machine learning approaches: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes, random forest (RF), support vector machine, and XGBoost. Collected data were first independently split into two data sets (training and validation: 80%; testing: 20%). Thereafter, we adopted the model with the highest accuracy in the training and validation stage to predict the testing set. We explored the importance of each feature in the OSA risk screening by calculating the Shapley values of each input variable. The RF model achieved the highest accuracy for moderate to severe (84.74%) and severe (72.61%) OSA. The level of visceral fat was found to be a predominant feature in the risk screening models of OSA with the aforementioned levels of severity. Our machine learning models can be employed to screen for OSA risk in the populations in Taiwan and in those with similar craniofacial structures.

CPAP Therapy on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Backgrounds and Objectives: There is a link between sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and depressive and anxiety symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of these symptoms in patients with OSA and to evaluate the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on depression and anxiety scores. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive new patients diagnosed with moderate or severe (apnea-hypopnea index AHI ≥ 15 events/h) OSA were accepted for the CPAP therapy. Patients completed a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and a generalized anxiety questionnaire (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms before the CPAP treatment, after 6 months, and after 1 year of CPAP therapy with compliance. For both scores (PHQ-9 and GAD-7), a cut point ≥10 was used to indicate the presence of clinically depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: Forty-eight individuals (48.48%) had PHQ-9 scores above the cut-off point ≥ 10, and twenty-seven participants (27.27%) had GAD-7 scores above the cut-off point ≥10. A significant correlation has been shown between PHQ-9 score and BMI (p < 0.0001), AHI (p < 0.0001), ODI (p < 0.001), ESS (p < 0.001), GAD-7 score (p < 0.0001), and [t90] (p < 0.0001), while GAD-7 was correlated with AHI (p < 0.030), ODI (p < 0.006), and [t90] (p < 0.001). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores decreased significantly after 6 months of CPAP therapy in all groups and after 1 year of CPAP use. Conclusions: OSA patients should be screened for depression and anxiety. Furthermore, CPAP should be the first choice of treatment before starting other treatments for depression and anxiety symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and anatomical factors: possible correlations

OBJECTIVES

The following retrospective study was devised with the aim of evaluating the correlation between OSAS and various anatomical factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients over the age of 40 were analyzed, of which 19 were classified as OSAS cases and 18 as control cases. For each, 17 anatomical variables were identified and examined using Invivo Dental software on CBCT scans, WebCeph software on laterolateral teleradiographs, and Rhinoceros 6.0 software on dental casts.

RESULTS

A generalized linear model of all the anatomical factors identified only two statistically significant variables. Specifically, the total volume of the palate displayed a inverse correlation with OSAS, while the distance between the S point and the Go point (S-Go) exhibited a direct correlation with the disease.

CONCLUSION

The likelihood of an individual having OSAS appears to decrease as the volume of the palate increases but increase as the lingual measure S-Go increases.