Referral practices and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancies with obesity

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects maternal and neonatal health during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify characteristics and comorbidities associated with sleep clinic referral in high-risk pregnancies with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m².

Retrospective cohort study for individuals in a high-risk pregnancy clinic at a tertiary Australian hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2020 with BMI≥35 kg/m². The primary outcome measure was sleep clinic referral. Exposure data included multiple comorbidities and formal tools (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG). Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with referral. Descriptive data on barriers to diagnosis and treatment were collected.

Of 161 pregnant individuals, 38.5% were screened using formal tools and 13.7% were referred to sleep clinic. Having STOP-BANG performed was associated with sleep clinic referral (Odds Ratio: 18.04, 95% Confidence Interval:4.5-71.7, p < 0.001). No clinical characteristics were associated with the likelihood of performing STOP-BANG. The COVID-19 pandemic was a treatment barrier for three individuals.

Current screening practices identify pregnant individuals with the highest pre-test probability of having OSA. Future research should evaluate real-world strategies to improve identification and management in this high-risk population.