Biomarkers associated with obstructive sleep apnea: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Biomarker Research
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• The diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires further investigation.
• Current diagnostic methods for OSA, such as polysomnography (PSG), can be resource-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review assessing the characteristics of biomarkers for OSA diagnosis.
• To identify knowledge gaps in the existing literature on OSA biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of human studies evaluating biological markers (blood, breath, saliva, urine) for OSA diagnosis.
• Studies were included if OSA was confirmed by polysomnography (PSG).
• Methodological quality and clinical applicability of biomarkers were assessed.

Main Results:

• 117 studies met inclusion criteria, with 82 in adults and 34 in children.
• Blood biomarkers were most frequently studied.
• Potential diagnostic biomarkers were identified in 9 pediatric and 58 adult studies, but sensitivity and specificity varied widely.
• IL-6 and IL-10 show potential as adult OSA biomarkers; combinatorial urine approaches show promise in pediatrics.

Conclusions:

• The overall validity of biomarkers for OSA diagnosis remains uncertain.
• Further research is needed to establish reliable and validated biomarkers for OSA across different age groups.
• Specific biomarkers like IL-6 and IL-10 in adults warrant further investigation.