The Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism

Investigating the co-occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and primary aldosteronism (PA) is crucial for understanding their interrelation.

This work aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OSA in individuals diagnosed with PA and to assess the prevalence of PA within the OSA population, with a specific focus on hypertensive individuals.

An exhaustive search was performed across PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 2023, without restrictions on language or publication date. Studies were selected based on their focus on the prevalence of OSA in PA patients and vice versa, specifically in hypertensive individuals. Data were extracted using standard guidelines, focusing on patient characteristics, prevalence rates, and other relevant clinical parameters.

Proportional meta-analysis using a random-effects model revealed a 59.8% prevalence of OSA in hypertensive PA patients, with 45.4% exhibiting moderate-to-severe OSA. Meta-regression showed no significant effect of age, sex, body mass index, antihypertensive medication, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or serum potassium on OSA prevalence. However, a significant positive association was found with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (P < .001). Subgroup analysis also revealed that a hyperfiltration rate (GFR ≥ 100 mL/min per 1.73 m2) may be associated with a higher prevalence of OSA (71%, P value for interaction < .01). Among hypertensive OSA patients, 11.2% had PA.

A substantial prevalence of OSA in individuals with PA was identified, demonstrating a complex interplay between these conditions in hypertensive patients. Notably, the prevalence of OSA was significantly associated with kidney hyperfiltration.