Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Liver Abnormalities in Older Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Hepatology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more prevalent in older adults and linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Investigating the relationship between OSA and liver injury in elderly individuals is crucial for understanding age-related health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and liver injury in patients aged 60 and above.
• To identify independent risk factors for liver injury in older adults with OSA.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 227 older snoring patients (≥60 years).
• Participants were categorized by OSA severity (using apnea-hypopnea index) and liver injury status.
• Logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for liver injury.

Main Results:

• Liver injury prevalence increased with OSA severity (mild to severe).
• Significant differences in body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and triglycerides (TG) were observed between liver injury and non-liver injury groups.
• AHI and TG were identified as major contributing factors to liver injury in older patients (OR=1.055, p=0.013 for AHI; OR=1.485, p=0.039 for TG).

Conclusions:

• Older adults with OSA have an elevated risk of liver injury and NAFLD.
• Sleep apnea and elevated triglycerides are significant factors in the development of liver injury among the elderly.