Differences in clinical features between current smokers and former smokers with OSA: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prevalence is increasing, with smoking as a key contributing factor.
• Limited research exists on predicting smoking cessation specifically within the OSA patient population.
• Understanding factors influencing cessation is crucial for managing OSA and improving patient health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical factors associated with smoking cessation in individuals diagnosed with OSA.
• To compare characteristics of current smokers versus former smokers with OSA.
• To explore interactions between cessation factors and OSA severity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 504 adult OSA patients who were smokers was analyzed.
• Data included demographics, polysomnography (PSG) results, and clinical information.
• Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to identify cessation predictors and interactions.

Main Results:

• Former smokers (31.0%) were older, had longer OSA duration, higher OSA severity (AHI, ODI), BMI, and pack-years compared to current smokers (69.0%).
• Smoking cessation positively correlated with age, OSA duration, AHI, BMI, and comorbidities, but negatively with minimal oxygen saturation (MSaO2).
• OSA severity significantly interacted with hyperuricemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and lacunar infarction in relation to smoking cessation.

Conclusions:

• Age, OSA duration, severity (AHI), BMI, and comorbidities are key factors associated with smoking cessation in OSA patients.
• Interventions targeting these factors may enhance smoking cessation success rates in OSA.
• Addressing identified cessation factors can potentially prevent OSA exacerbation and improve overall patient outcomes.