Sleep-apnoea and autonomic dysfunction: a cardiopressor and pupillometric study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is linked to autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations.
• The precise nature and extent of ANS involvement in OSAS remain unclear.
• Previous studies suggest isolated ANS changes in OSAS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate autonomic nervous functions in OSAS patients.
• To determine the sensitivity of cardiopressor and pupillometric tests in detecting ANS dysfunction in OSAS.
• To explore the relationship between ANS alterations and respiratory indices in OSAS.

Main Methods:

• Cardiopressor tests and pupillometry were used to assess autonomic functions.
• Thirteen patients diagnosed with OSAS were included in the study.
• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function was evaluated using specific neurovegetative tests.

Main Results:

• Most OSAS patients exhibited mild ANS dysfunction, characterized by hypofunction of both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
• Pupillometry proved more sensitive than cardiovascular indexes in identifying neurovegetative involvement.
• Observed ANS alterations correlated with specific respiratory indices in OSAS patients.

Conclusions:

• Autonomic dysfunction in OSAS is primarily attributed to metabolic changes such as hypoxia and hypercapnia.
• The findings suggest that OSAS-related autonomic alterations are secondary to metabolic disturbances rather than primary neurogenic causes.
• Pupillometry is a valuable tool for assessing ANS involvement in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.