Study of testosterone levels in Fuzhou urban male patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

Objective To explore the testosterone levels in Fuzhou urban male patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment. Methods Following polysomnographic examination, 182 sbjucts were assigned to 25-45years and 46-65years two groups. Each consist of:control group(20,21 case), simple snores(14,13case), mild OSAHS(21,17case) ,moderate OSAHS(19,19 case),and severe OSAHS (18,20case). The serum level of testosterone was measured after sleep at the polysomnographic examination night. Of 76 patients with moderate or severe OSAHS, 29 patients who underwent therapy were set as nCPAP group ,47 patients who did not undergo therapy were set as 10 patients were excluded from further follow-up. The assessment protocol was then repeated after 3 months follow-up. Results ①There were no statistically significant differences of the serum level of testosterone between simple snores and control group. The serum level of testosterone was significantly lower in OSAHS patient. ② Liner regression analysis showed the serum level of testosterone was negatively correlated with AHI, BMI, year( r = -0.589, P ＜0. 01; r = -0.225, P ＜0.05; r = - 0.454, P＜0. 01), testosterone was correlated with SaO2 ( r =0.459, P ＜0.01). ③After 3 months therapy in OSAHS patients, the serum level of testosterone was significantly increased ( P ＜ 0.01). While there were no similar changes in OSAHS patients without therapy( P >0. 05). Conclusions ①OSAHS patients have lower level of testosterone. The serum level of testosterone was negatively correlated with AHI,BMI. ②As the age older,the serum level of testosterone lower in OSAHS patients. ③The serum level of testosterone could be improved by therapy in OSAHS patients. Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; Testosterone; Nasal continuous positive airway pressure