Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by airway collapse during sleep, causing intermittent hypoxaemia and microarousals.
• These physiological disturbances trigger sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes.
• OSA is strongly linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with altered coagulation and fibrinolysis playing a key role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological processes of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
• To discuss how OSA-related factors impact these hemostatic processes.
• To critically evaluate existing literature on OSA and its effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis markers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on physiological coagulation and fibrinolysis.
• Analysis of how OSA-associated factors (hypoxaemia, sympathetic activation, inflammation) influence hemostasis.
• Critical appraisal of studies examining OSA's impact on coagulation and fibrinolysis markers.

Main Results:

• OSA-associated disturbances can alter coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways.
• Existing literature shows variability in findings regarding OSA's effect on hemostatic markers.
• Potential reasons for discrepancies include differences in study populations, methodologies, and OSA severity.

Conclusions:

• OSA significantly impacts the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems.
• Understanding these alterations is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk in OSA patients.
• Further research is needed to clarify discrepancies and establish clinical implications for managing OSA-related cardiovascular complications.