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Chronic hypercapnia in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
S Javaheri1, G Colangelo, W Lacey
1Sleep Disorders Center, VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220.
Sleep
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) who have chronic hypercapnia are heavier and have worse lung function and ventilatory responses. Increased weight and lung function abnormalities interact to cause hypercapnia in SAHS.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Chronic hypercapnia is a common complication in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).
- The relationship between anthropomorphic data, pulmonary function, and ventilatory responses in hypercapnic SAHS patients requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic hypercapnia and anthropomorphic data, pulmonary function tests, and ventilatory responses to hypercapnia (HVCR) and hypoxia (HVR) in SAHS patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 55 SAHS patients, divided into hypercapnic (PaCO2 >= 45 mm Hg) and normocapnic groups.
- Assessed anthropomorphic data, pulmonary function tests, HVCR, and HVR in both groups.
- Compared subgroups with similar lung function and comparable weights to delineate contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Hypercapnic SAHS patients were significantly heavier with greater body surface area compared to normocapnic patients.
- Hypercapnic patients exhibited more severe restrictive and obstructive lung defects and impaired HVR and HVCR.
- Weight and lung function abnormalities independently and interactively contributed to hypercapnia in SAHS.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hypercapnia in SAHS is multifactorial, involving increased weight and abnormal lung function.
- Repetitive apneas and hypopneas, in conjunction with increased weight and impaired lung function, contribute to hypercapnia development and persistence.