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Published on: December 6, 2016
[Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in women: a specific entity?]
M Verdaguer1, V Levrat, C Lamour
1Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|December 25, 2008
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) presents differently in women, often linked to anatomical factors. While symptoms may be underestimated, treatment compliance and mortality are similar between sexes, with oral appliances showing greater efficacy in women.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
Context:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition with varying reported frequencies.
- While OSAS is more common in men, its specific characteristics and impact in women require further elucidation.
- Understanding gender-specific differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
Purpose:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on the impact of gender on the features of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
- To compare the anatomical and clinical manifestations of OSAS between men and women.
- To evaluate gender-related differences in OSAS-associated complications, treatment compliance, and outcomes.
Summary:
- OSAS in women is associated with distinct anatomical factors, including greater obesity, narrower oropharyngeal junctions, shorter uvulas, and reduced upper airway collapsibility compared to men.
- Sleep-related breathing disorders during pregnancy may represent upper airway resistance syndrome rather than true OSAS, carrying risks for mother and fetus, potentially manageable with nasal CPAP.
- Despite potential underestimation of symptoms by women, the Epworth score and snoring frequency are not gender-dependent. Mortality risk is not influenced by gender.
- Nasal CPAP compliance is similar in both sexes, whereas oral appliances appear more effective for women.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for sex-specific considerations in the diagnosis and management of OSAS.
- Suggests that tailored treatment approaches, such as oral appliances for women, may improve therapeutic outcomes.
- Identifies gaps in current research, emphasizing the necessity for further studies to confirm sex-related features in OSAS diagnosis and treatment.
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