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Sleep apnea, proteinuria, and nephrotic syndrome
B A Chaudhary1, A H Sklar, T K Chaudhary
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-2623.
Sleep
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Proteinuria, or protein in urine, is common in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This kidney issue may improve with treatment for sleep apnea.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Sleep Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Renal abnormalities associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are not well-documented.
- Proteinuria has not been previously described in patients with OSAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of proteinuria in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
- To investigate the potential reversibility of proteinuria with OSAS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for patients evaluated for sleep apnea syndrome.
- Analysis of polysomnograms and urinalyses to identify proteinuria.
- Comparison of OSAS patients with a matched control group.
Main Results:
- High-grade proteinuria (>=3+) was observed in 6 out of 34 OSAS patients, versus none in the control group.
- Three OSAS patients exhibited nephrotic-range proteinuria (3.5 g/24 h).
- Proteinuria improved in four patients after successful therapy for OSAS over a 3-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Proteinuria may be a significant, previously unrecognized finding in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
- Correction of OSAS may lead to reversible proteinuria, suggesting a link between the conditions.