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Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
B M Sanner1, M Konermann, A Sturm
1Dept of Medicine I, Ruhr University Bochum, Marienhospital Herne, Germany.
The European Respiratory Journal
|October 6, 1997
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) can cause right ventricular dysfunction and failure, even without lung disease. This dysfunction is linked to the severity of breathing pauses and reduced oxygen levels during sleep.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is known to affect heart function and cause pulmonary hypertension.
- The link between OSAS and right ventricular dysfunction in the absence of lung disease remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and predictors of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with OSAS and no significant lung disease.
Main Methods:
- 107 patients with verified OSAS and excluded lung disease were studied.
- Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured using radionuclide ventriculography.
- Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and right heart catheterization were performed.
Main Results:
- 18% of patients exhibited impaired RVEF, with most showing signs of mild right ventricular failure.
- Impaired RVEF was significantly associated with a higher apnoea/hypopnoea index and lower nocturnal oxyhaemoglobin saturation.
- No significant association was found with age, BMI, lung function, or left ventricular function.
Conclusions:
- OSAS may be an underlying cause of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with unexplained right heart failure.
- The severity of sleep-disordered breathing directly correlates with impaired right ventricular function.