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In Reply: Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep: A Large Multicenter Study
Yun Jin Kang1, Chan-Soon Park2, Hyun-Woo Shin3,4,5,6,7,8
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
|July 16, 2025
Summary
This study found periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) were more common in patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA), especially severe cases. PLMS prevalence decreased as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity increased.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) can coexist with OSA.
- The relationship between OSA severity, positional OSA (POSA), and PLMS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between OSA severity, POSA, and PLMS prevalence.
- To investigate how POSA influences the occurrence of PLMS in OSA patients.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale, multicenter retrospective analysis.
- Inclusion of patients with diagnosed OSA.
- Comparison of PLMS prevalence across different OSA severity levels and positional OSA status.
Main Results:
- PLMS prevalence demonstrated an inverse relationship with increasing OSA severity.
- Patients with POSA exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of PLMS.
- Severe OSA cases with POSA showed the highest PLMS prevalence.
Conclusions:
- POSA is associated with a higher likelihood of PLMS, independent of overall OSA severity.
- Iron deficiency, though not assessed, remains a potential factor in PLMS pathophysiology.
- Future prospective studies with comprehensive data are needed to elucidate these complex associations.
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