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Relationship between sleep apnea and thyroid function
Shoko Takeuchi1, Takuro Kitamura, Toyoaki Ohbuchi
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
|March 14, 2014
Summary
Thyroid function screening in sleep apnea patients is debated. This study found mean apnea duration correlates with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and lower free triiodothyronine (FT3) is linked to longer apnea.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sleep apnea is a common disorder.
- Association between sleep apnea and hypothyroidism is known but controversial.
- Thyroid function screening in sleep apnea patients lacks clear guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between thyroid function and sleep apnea.
- Clarify the significance of thyroid screening in sleep apnea patients.
Main Methods:
- 156 subjects suspected of sleep apnea underwent polysomnography.
- Measured sleep apnea indices: AHI, lowest O2 saturation, ODI, apnea duration.
- Assessed thyroid function: TSH, FT3, FT4 levels.
Main Results:
- 1.9% had primary hypothyroidism, 0.6% subclinical hypothyroidism.
- No significant difference in TSH, FT3, FT4 across sleep apnea severity.
- Mean apnea duration correlated with TSH; lower FT3 linked to longer mean apnea duration.
Conclusions:
- Mean apnea duration and TSH/FT3 levels may indicate a link between sleep apnea and thyroid function.
- Findings aid in understanding the interplay between these conditions.
- Suggests potential utility in evaluating thyroid function tests in sleep apnea patients.
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