Vitamin D Levels in Middle-Aged Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pulmonology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to various diseases.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks.
• Previous reports on the association between vitamin D levels and OSAS are inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and anthropometric/sleep characteristics in OSAS patients.
• To compare vitamin D levels between OSAS patients and non-apnoeic controls.

Main Methods:

• Subjects were divided into control (apnoea-hypopnea index [AHI] <5/h) and OSAS (AHI ≥5/h) groups based on polysomnography.
• Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured.
• Anthropometric data and sleep parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

• OSAS patients (n=139) were older and had higher body mass index (BMI) than controls (n=30).
• Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in OSAS patients (17.8±7.8 ng/ml) compared to controls (23.9±12.4 ng/ml).
• In OSAS patients, lower 25(OH)D levels correlated with increased AHI, oxygen desaturation index, and reduced average oxyhaemoglobin saturation.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D levels are lower in individuals with OSAS compared to non-apnoeic individuals.
• Vitamin D levels show significant correlations with OSAS severity indices.