Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
04:53
Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
1.3K
Association between obstructive sleep apnea with recurrent pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis.
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases, the , Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun Jingyue High-Tech Industry Development Zone, No. 1643, Changchun, 130117, China.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a nearly two-fold increased risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE). Screening for OSA in PE patients may enhance risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is suspected to contribute to prothrombotic and inflammatory states.
- These states may increase the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) in affected patients.
- However, a definitive link between OSA and recurrent PE risk is not yet established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE).
- To synthesize evidence from longitudinal observational studies to quantify this association.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI).
- Longitudinal observational studies investigating OSA and recurrent PE were included.
- Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.
Main Results:
- Eight studies comprising 6262 PE patients were analyzed, with 10.7% diagnosed with OSA.
- Patients with OSA exhibited a significantly higher risk of recurrent PE (RR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.46-4.12).
- The association was robust across study designs and stronger in smaller cohorts, with sample size potentially explaining heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an elevated risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Further validation in large-scale prospective studies is warranted.
- Screening for OSA in PE patients could potentially improve risk stratification and secondary prevention efforts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
457
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
457
01:21Sleep Apnea
436
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
436
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
267
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
267
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
1.5K
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
1.5K
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
311
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
311
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.2K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.2K