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Association of autonomic dysfunction and mild obstructive sleep apnea
B Tucker Woodson1, Laura T Brusky, Adrian Saurajen
1Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. bwoodson@mcw.edu
Summary
Autonomic dysfunction may precede obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Autonomic abnormalities were found in mild OSA, suggesting a potential causal role rather than solely being a consequence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often considered secondary.
- This study explores if AD might contribute to OSA development, particularly in milder cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autonomic function in individuals without diagnosed OSA.
- To assess the relationship between autonomic function and early-stage OSA.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of subjects with vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) but no known OSA.
- Utilized autonomic nervous system testing (sudomotor, cardiovagal), polysomnography, and pH monitoring.
Main Results:
- 60% of participants met criteria for OSA (Apnea/Hypopnea Index >5).
- OSA severity correlated with sympathetic, not parasympathetic, abnormalities.
- No correlation found with age, oxygen desaturation, reflux, VMR, or sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic abnormalities, indicating reduced adrenergic tone, are associated with mild OSA.
- These findings suggest AD may precede or contribute to OSA development.