A Prospective Study on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Clinical Profile and Polysomnographic Variables

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Cardiorespiratory Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves pharyngeal collapse during sleep, leading to cardiorespiratory and neurological imbalances.
• High prevalence of obesity and OSA observed, particularly in men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prevalence.
• To investigate the relationship between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and polysomnographic characteristics in OSA patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study over two years involving 216 participants.
• Polysomnography used for diagnosis; 175 patients diagnosed with OSA (AHI ≥ 5).
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Main Results:

• Average AHI varied by severity: mild (11.79 ± 3.55), moderate (22.12 ± 4.34), severe (59.16 ± 22.15 events/hour).
• Significant correlations found between AHI and BMI, oxygen saturation, oxygen desaturation events, snoring duration, and number of snores.
• Obesity (BMI) and nocturnal desaturations are key findings in OSA patients.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent, often associated with obesity, particularly in males.
• Nocturnal desaturations are a common characteristic of OSA.
• Polysomnography is crucial for early detection and management of this treatable condition.