Sex-Related Differences in the Association Between Sleep Apnea and Subsequent Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sleep Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sleep apnea is increasingly recognized for its systemic effects.
• Previous studies suggest a link between sleep apnea and urological issues.
• Urinary incontinence is a common urological symptom with significant impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific differences in the association between sleep apnea and subsequent urinary incontinence diagnosis.
• To analyze age-related variations in this association.

Main Methods:

• A matched pair cohort study involving 74,453 individuals with sleep apnea and 372,256 controls from German general practices (2005-2022).
• Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests assessed five-year cumulative incidence of urinary incontinence.
• Univariable Cox regression and stratified analyses by sex and age groups were performed.

Main Results:

• Sleep apnea showed a significant association with urinary incontinence (5.1% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001).
• The association was robust in females (HR: 1.38) but not in males (HR: 1.02).
• In females, the strongest association was observed in the 51-60 age group (HR: 1.98).

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between sleep apnea and subsequent urinary incontinence.
• Sex and age are critical factors, with stronger associations in middle-aged and younger females.
• The findings highlight the need for tailored clinical considerations for sleep apnea patients regarding urinary incontinence risk.