Adenosine Diphosphate-Induced Platelets Aggregability in Polysomnographically Verified Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a known risk factor for arterial thrombosis and cardiovascular morbidity.
• Activated platelets are crucial in atherothrombosis development, suggesting their involvement in OSAS complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between OSAS severity and platelet aggregation.
• To assess platelet activation as a marker for cardiovascular risk in OSAS patients.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 64 OSAS patients and a control group.
• Measured adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation using optical aggregometry.
• Correlated platelet aggregation with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Main Results:

• ADP-induced platelet aggregability was significantly increased in all OSAS severity groups (mild to moderate, severe, and total) compared to controls.
• Platelet aggregation showed a positive correlation with the ESS in patients with severe OSAS.
• Findings indicate enhanced platelet activation in OSAS patients.

Conclusions:

• OSAS is associated with enhanced platelet aggregation, potentially predisposing individuals to atherothrombotic cardiovascular complications.
• The ESS may serve as a predictor of platelet activation and subsequent atherothrombotic risk in OSAS patients.