Prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in long-COVID

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or thoracic pain may persist for months after the illness (long-COVID). We investigated the prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in long-COVID. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> Long-COVID patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation and received diagnostic polysomnography or polygraphy were included in this retrospective data analysis. <b>Results:</b> 70 patients (33 women) were included, 4 with pre-existing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Among the remaining 66 patients, 22 (33%) had SRBD (4 with central sleep apnea and 18 with OSA). Thus, overall SRBD prevalence was 26/70 (37%). Patients with SRBD were significantly older and showed a higher proportion of men. In addition, SRBD patients were more likely to require oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, or invasive ventilation as part of their COVID-19-related hospitalisation prior to rehabilitation. <b>Conclusion:</b> In Long-COVID, SRBD prevalence in our sample is 33% and 37%, respectively, which is higher than average. The diagnostic portfolio in Long-COVID should therefore include screening for the presence of SRBD. SRBD patients show a more intensive need for therapy in the context of their COVID-19-associated hospitalization, although this may be attributed to older age.