Metabolic Risk Factors Evaluation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women diagnosed with PCOS exhibit a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aims to assess risk factors of OSA among patients with PCOS.

This retrospective study included 126 patients with PCOS who were categorized into an OSA group (n = 30) and a non-OSA group (n = 96) according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). A control group comprised 72 patients without PCOS who presented during the same period for infertility due to fallopian tube, pelvic, or male factors. Patients with PCOS A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze independent risk factors for OSA in the PCOS group.

Patients with PCOS had significantly higher AHI values and elevated values for various physical indicators, including body mass index (BMI) and neck, waist, and hip circumferences; prolactin (PRL); fasting plasma glucose (FPG); insulin (FINS); triglycerides (TG); homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); 2-hour postprandial glucose (2-hPG) and insulin (2-hINS); AHI; and oxygen desaturation index (ODI). Conversely, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO₂) were significantly lower (p < 0.05). AHI was positively correlated with BMI, neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, 2-hPG, 2-hINS, and apolipoprotein B/ apolipoprotein A1 (apoB/apoA1) ratio (p < 0.05). BMI and neck circumference as independent risk factors for OSA in patients with PCOS (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis of BMI, neck circumference and BMI + neck circumference to predict PCOS patients with OSA showed that AUC=0.838,0.842 and 0.859, respectively, all exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity.

OSA in PCOS patients is linked to metabolic indicators. High neck circumference and BMI levels were independent risk factors, highlighting the need for OSA in routine PCOS screening, particularly in the context of metabolic dysregulation.