Symptom subtype progression in obstructive sleep apnea over 5 years

There is limited knowledge regarding the progression or consistency of symptoms in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over time. Our objective was to examine the changes in symptom subtypes and identify predictors over a span of 5 years.

Data of 2,643 participants of the Sleep Heart Health Study with complete baseline and 5-year follow-up visits were analyzed. Latent class analysis on 14 symptoms at baseline and follow-up determined symptom subtypes. Individuals without OSA (apnea-hypopnea index < 5) were incorporated as a known class at each time point. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the effect of age, sex, body mass index, and apnea-hypopnea index on specific class transitions.

The sample consisted of 1,408 females (53.8%) and mean (standard deviation) age 62.4 (10.5) years. We identified 4 OSA symptom subtypes at both baseline and follow-up visits: minimally symptomatic, disturbed sleep, moderately sleepy, and excessively sleepy. Nearly half (44.2%) of the sample transitioned to a different subtype; transitions to moderately sleepy were the most common (77% of all transitions). A 5-year older age was associated with a 50% increase in odds to transit from excessively sleepy to moderately sleepy (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.52 [1.17, 1.97]). Females had 1.97 times higher odds (95% confidence interval: 1.21, 3.18) to transition from moderately sleepy to minimal symptoms. A 5-unit increase in body mass index was associated with 2.39 greater odds (95% confidence interval: 1.30, 4.40) to transition from minimal symptoms to excessively sleepy. Changes in apnea-hypopnea index did not significantly predict any transitions.

The symptoms of OSA may fluctuate or remain stable over time. Knowledge of symptom progression in OSA may support clinicians with treatment decisions.

Morris JL, Scott PW, Magalang U, et al. Symptom subtype progression in obstructive sleep apnea over 5 years. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(11):1773-1783.