[Sleep apnea syndromes in adults and its anesthesiologic repercussions]

Adult sleep apnea syndrome is a common condition characterized by repeated apneic events during sleep, producing hypoxia, a potentially neurovegetative response and loss of normal sleep structure. Important pathophysiological repercussions can ensue. Adults with sleep apnea syndrome have particular upper airway sensitivity to sedatives, muscle relaxants, anesthetic agents and narcotic analgesics, potentially compromising the anesthetic management of such patients, among whom serious respiratory complications have been reported. This review describes current data for prevalence, etiopathogenesis, pathophysiological consequences, and the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of the syndrome. Also described is the approach to anesthetic care before, during and after surgery related to the specific condition or not.