Cognitive study in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome based on Go/Nogo task

Abstract

Objective To investigate behavior and electrophysiological manifestation of cognitive function in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods According to PSG results, 25 severe OSAHS patients and 25 normal controls matched in age, sex, and education performed visual Go/Nogo task.Behavior and event related potential (ERP) measures were collected. Results There were no significant differences between severe OSAHS group and control group in age, sex, education, total sleep time, sleep efficiency and REM sleep time.Compared to control group, body mass index, N1 and N2 sleep time, and apnea hypopnea index were significantly increased, N3 sleep time and the lowest oxygen saturation were significantly decreased in severe OSAHS group (all P<0.05). The accuracy of Go trials in severe OSAHS group was significantly lower than that in control group (t=2.049, P<0.05). There were no significant differences between severe OSAHS group and control group in the accuracy of Nogo trials and reaction time.The mean amplitude of Nogo-N2 at FCz site showed a significant difference between severe OSAHS group and control group (t=3.103, P<0.05). There were no significant differences between severe OSAHS group and control group in the amplitude of Go-N2 at FCz site. Conclusions Severe OSAHS patients have decreased ability of continuous attention and may have impaired conflict monitor function.Behavioral and ERP tests based on Go/Nogo task may help for early detection of abnormal cognitive function in patients with severe OSAHS. Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome; Event related potential; Cognitive function; Go/Nogo task