Spirometric abnormalities in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are associated with upper airway abnormalities impacting pulmonary function.
• Limited research exists on the correlation between spirometric indices and the STOPBANG score in SRBD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between spirometric indices and snoring, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) grades, and STOPBANG scores.
• To explore the relationship between pulmonary function tests and sleep-disordered breathing severity.

Main Methods:

• Seventy patients with SRBD were enrolled.
• Polysomnography (PSG) and STOPBANG scores were assessed.
• Spirometric indices including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR were measured and statistically analyzed for association with snoring, OSA grades, and STOPBANG.

Main Results:

• Abnormal spirometric indices were common in SRBD patients.
• No statistically significant association was found between spirometric indices and snoring, OSA grades, or STOPBANG scores.
• No significant correlation was observed between BMI and AHI grades.

Conclusions:

• This study found no statistically significant correlation between spirometric parameters and STOPBANG or AHI severity.
• While obstructive lung disease may coexist with sleep-disordered breathing, their statistically significant association requires further validation.
• Primary care physicians should consider the potential coexistence of these conditions.