Risk factors for traffic accidents in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

A survey of traffic accidents incurred by 440 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome determined the prevalence of traffic accidents in this group. The study also determined the independent risk factors for accidents in these patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome before and after the initiation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Before continuous positive airway pressure therapy, 43.4% of the patients had had traffic accidents. The independent risk factors for accidents were higher body mass index, excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent driving and long-distance driving. Accidents occurred most frequently under circumstances of driving at a low speed, as in a traffic jam. The accident rate after continuous positive airway pressure therapy was 5.7%, and significant risk factors were higher age, presence of residual excessive daytime sleepiness, and higher body mass index. We conclude that it would be beneficial to establish a system for detecting unrecognized obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with a view to treatment, in order to reduce the prevalence of traffic accidents. Additionally, it is necessary to check for residual sleepiness after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure, and advice to lose weight is essential.