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Published on: April 23, 2021
Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for silent cerebral infarction
Eo Rin Cho1, Hyun Kim, Hyung Suk Seo
1Institute of Human Genomic Study, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Sleep Research
|February 5, 2013
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for silent cerebral infarction (SCI) and lacunar infarction, particularly in older adults. Treating OSA may help prevent strokes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized for its systemic health implications.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between OSA and stroke risk.
- Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) and lacunar infarction are significant indicators of cerebrovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether OSA is an independent risk factor for SCI.
- To examine this association in both the general and non-obese populations.
- To analyze SCI subtypes and affected brain regions in relation to OSA.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 746 participants (aged 50-79 years) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) was analyzed.
- Participants underwent polysomnography, brain MRI, and health screenings.
- Moderate-severe OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15; SCI and lacunar infarction were assessed via MRI.
Main Results:
- 12.06% of participants had moderate-severe OSA, 7.64% had SCI, and 4.96% had lacunar infarction.
- Moderate-severe OSA was significantly associated with SCI and lacunar infarction in individuals aged 65 and older.
- The association was particularly noted in the basal ganglia, affecting both SCI and lacunar infarction across age groups.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for silent cerebral infarction and lacunar infarction, especially in the elderly population.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering OSA in the assessment of cerebrovascular disease risk.
- Intervention for OSA may play a role in reducing the incidence and recurrence of cerebrovascular events.
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