Effects of obesity and age on pilots with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

Objective To analyse the effects of obesity and age on pilots with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), so as to provide a simple and convenient way to anticipate the prevalence and condition of OSAHS in pilots. Methods Ninety-five pilots with suspected OSAHS or healthy were all examined by the polysomnography (PSG) for a whole night. Clinical diagnosis was done according to Diagnosis and Treatment of OSAHS Manual(protocol) drafted by Sleep Apnea Disease Group, Chinese Society of Respiratory Disease, Chinese Medical Association. Data such as Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS) ,age, height, weight, neck circumference and waist circumference were collected. The correlation and difference among the above parameters were analyzed. Results Neck circumference had positive correlation with AHI (r=0. 405, P<0. 01) but negative correlation with lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) (r= - 0. 252, P<0. 01). There were significant difference among without OSAHS group and different severity of OSAHS groups in neck circumference, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) (F=3. 670～14. 825, P<0.05). The ratio of OSAHS patients and moderate and severe patients were higher in neck circumference≥40 cm group than those in neck circumference <40 cm group(x2=11. 515～17. 589, P<0.01). The ratio of moderate and severe OSAHS in pilots increased with increasing BMI(x2 =6. 946, P=O. 031). There was statistical significant difference in age between OSAHS group and without OSAHS group (t = - 2.118, P = 0. 037). Conclusions The possibility of OSAHS increases when neck circumference ≥40 cm. The increase of neck circumference, waist circumference and BMI are all risk factors of OSAHS in pilots. The combination of the three can conveniently and exactly indicate the possibility and severity of OSAHS in pilots. Age may be a potential factor for the presence ofOSAHS, but dose not correlate with severity of OSAHS. Key words: Sleep apnea syndromes; Obesity; Age factors; Risk factors