Bone mineral density alteration in obstructive sleep apnea by derived computed tomography screening

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Sleep Medicine
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bone mineral density (BMD) remains unclear, with conflicting research findings.
• Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, often performed for other medical reasons, present an opportunity for opportunistic osteoporosis screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bone mineral density (BMD).
• To explore the utility of abdominal CT scans in assessing BMD in patients with and without OSA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 315 subjects (174 with OSA, 141 without OSA) who underwent at least two CT scans.
• Examination of abdominal CT vertebrae images to assess BMD.
• Multivariate linear regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and cardiovascular diseases.

Main Results:

• Bone mineral density (BMD) decreased in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• A significant association was found between OSA and alterations in BMD, independent of age, gender, and cardiovascular disease.
• BMD also decreased with increasing age.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD).
• Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying OSA's effect on bone health and its clinical relevance for fracture risk.