Adverse events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing procedural sedation in ambulatory settings: An...

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be at increased risk for adverse events during procedural sedation, however, there remains a gap in the literature quantifying these risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the risk of peri-procedural adverse events in OSA patients undergoing procedural sedation in ambulatory settings, compared to those without OSA.

Four databases were systematically searched for studies published from January 1, 2011 to January 4, 2024. The inclusion criteria were: adult patients with OSA undergoing procedural sedation in ambulatory settings, peri-procedural adverse events reported, and control group included. The primary outcome was the incidence of peri-procedural adverse events amongst patients with vs without OSA.

Nineteen studies (27,973 patients) were included. The odds of respiratory adverse events were significantly increased for patients with OSA (OR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.03-2.66, P = 0.04). Furthermore, the odds of requiring an airway maneuver/intervention were significantly greater for patients with OSA (OR 3.28, 95 % CI 1.43-7.51, P = 0.005). The odds of cardiovascular adverse events were not significantly increased for patients with OSA.

Patients with OSA undergoing procedural sedation in ambulatory settings had 1.7-fold greater odds of respiratory adverse events and 3.3-fold greater odds of requiring airway maneuvers/interventions.