[Rapid eye movement related obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: antropometric and polysomnographic findings]

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by episodic narrowing of the upper respiratory ways accompanied by an oxygen desaturation during sleep. REM-related obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, comprises a subgroup of sleep disordered breathing with a 10-36% frequency. The aim of the present study is to analyze the frequency, the antropometric and polygraphic features of REM-related obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

A total of 427 cases [332 males (77.4%) and 95 females (22.6%)] with definitive obstructive sleep apnea syndrome diagnosis with polysomnography records were included into the study.

Of all the cases, 108 (25.3%) were REM-related sleep respiratory disorder. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to age and sex. However, the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group non-related to REM demonstrated a more severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and a longer neck circumference. Superficial sleep was longer in the REM non-related group, while deep refreshing sleep (Non-REM 3) was longer in the REM-related group. The subgroup analysis of the REM-related group with regard to sex revealed a higher body mass index in the female subgroup.

REM-related sleep respiratory disorder is more often in mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome cases, the male/female ratio of REM-related sleep respiratory disorder is not different from the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome prevalence in the community.