Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and thyroid diseases.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is common and may be linked to hypothyroidism due to factors like obesity and upper airway changes.
• Hypothyroidism can affect respiratory control and upper airway structures, potentially increasing OSAS risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and thyroid disease.
• To assess thyroid function and ultrasound findings in OSAS patients compared to controls.

Main Methods:

• 150 patients with polysomnographically diagnosed OSAS (mild, moderate, severe) and 32 non-OSAS controls were studied.
• Serum TSH, fT3, fT4, Anti-TPO, and anti-TG levels were measured.
• Thyroid ultrasounds were performed on all participants.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in hypothyroidism prevalence between OSAS subgroups and controls.
• Thyroid ultrasound findings (nodules, parenchyma heterogenicity) did not differ between groups.
• Functional and ultrasonographic thyroid examinations showed no association with OSAS.

Conclusions:

• Current findings suggest no direct relationship between OSAS and thyroid disease based on functional and ultrasonographic assessments.
• Long-term follow-up studies are recommended to explore the potential significance of routine thyroid evaluation in OSAS patients.