Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Obstructive sleep apnea and bone mineral density in obese patients
Stefania Mariani1, Daniela Fiore, Laura Varone
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Context:
Obesity and its co-morbidities may adversely affect bone mineral density (BMD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major complication of obesity. To date, the effects of OSA on BMD in obese patients have been poorly studied.
Objective:
To examine whether the severity of OSA independently correlates with BMD in obese patients.
Methods:
One hundred and fifteen obese subjects with OSA (Apnea/Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥5 events per hour) were included in the study. BMD was measured at lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body mass index, lean mass, and representative measures of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and inflammation (ESR, CRP, fibrinogen) were also evaluated.
Results:
BMD did not differ among obese individuals regardless of OSA severity. Correlation coefficient analysis for all the covariates showed a lack of association between AHI and BMD that was strongly influenced by age and weight.
Conclusion:
Our study does not support an independent association between AHI and BMD in obese patients. Controlled studies involving a greater number of patients are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Bone Remodeling
