Increased carotid intima-media thickness is independently associated with the occurrence of depressive disorders in patients with obstructive sleep apnea without cardiocerebrovascular disease

Abstract

Study objectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without cardiocerebrovascular diseases. MethodsThis study evaluated self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, night sleep, and cIMT in 114 patients with OSA without cardiocerebrovascular diseases. ResultsAmong the 114 patients, 79.8% were male (mean age: 46.7 ± 11.58 years; range: 22–72 years). Moreover, 46.5%, 44.7%, and 7.89% of the patients presented with depressive disorders (8, 24, and 21 with severe, moderate, and mild degrees of depression, respectively), cIMT increase, and carotid plaques, respectively. Logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, and other confounding factors revealed that, compared with patients with OSA without depressive disorders, those with depressive disorders had higher cIMT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.839; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.210–2.795), D-value (the difference between nocturnal mean blood oxygen saturation and the lowest blood oxygen saturation; OR = 1.434; 95% CI: 1.259–1.633]), and time spent at O2 saturation below 90% (OR = 1.060; 95% CI: 1.001–1.123). ConclusionscIMT and D-value are independently associated with depression in patients with OSA, which provides clinical evidence regarding the involvement of vascular damage in OSA-induced depression.