High Prevalence Of Sleep Apnea Research Articles

Prediction of the Sleep Apnea Severity Using 2D-Convolutional Neural Networks and Respiratory Effort Signals.

The high prevalence of sleep apnea and the limitations of polysomnography have prompted the investigation of strategies aimed at automated diagnosis using a restricted number of physiological measures. This study aimed to demonstrate that thoracic (THO) and abdominal (ABD) movement signals are useful for accurately estimating the severity of sleep apnea, even if central respiratory events are present. Thus, we developed 2D-convolutional neural networks (CNNs) jointly using THO and ABD to automatically estimate sleep apnea severity and evaluate the central event contribution. Our proposal achieved an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.75 and a root mean square error (RMSE) = 10.33 events/h when estimating the apnea-hypopnea index, and ICC = 0.83 and RMSE = 0.95 events/h when estimating the central apnea index. The CNN obtained accuracies of 94.98%, 79.82%, and 81.60% for 5, 15, and 30 events/h when evaluating the complete apnea hypopnea index. The model improved when the nature of the events was central: 98.72% and 99.74% accuracy for 5 and 15 events/h. Hence, the information extracted from these signals using CNNs could be a powerful tool to diagnose sleep apnea, especially in subjects with a high density of central apnea events.

0686 High prevalence of sleep apnea in mental disorders – a need for use of sleep evaluation tools in psychiatric health care

Abstract Introduction Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder but it is frequently overlooked in diagnosing mental disorders. The aim of the present study was to screen for sleep apnea in a group of patients referred for diagnosing mental disorders or non-restorative sleep and to assess the accuracy with which such testing can be replaced with commonly used screening questionnaires for sleep apnea. Methods 104 patients were investigated – 58 with mental disorders (26 with affective disorders, 26 with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, 3 with anxiety disorders, 3 with neurocognitive disorders; mean age 37.5±9.5 years, 24% females, BMI 32.8±6.5 kg/m2) and 46 with non-restorative sleep (mean age 41.2±14.6, 39% females, BMI 26.3±4.8 kg/m2). The patients were screened for sleep apnea with a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) based on peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and were asked to fill in the Sleep Apnea Scale from Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ-SA), the STOP-BANG and the Berlin questionnaires (BQ), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Apnea-Hypopnea Index of > 5/h was found in 57 (55%) patients: 36 (62%) patients with mental disorders and 21 (45%) patients with non-restorative sleep. An increased risk for sleep apnea was found in 45 patients (43.3%) using SDQ-SA, 64 (61.5%) using BQ, 80 (76.9%) patients using STOP-BANG with the cut-off of 3 points and 30 (28.8%) with the cut-off of 5 points. Positive predictive values were: 65.9% for SDQ-SA, 71.0% for BQ, 68.8% for STOP-BANG with the cut-off of 3 point and 75.9% with the cut-off of 5 points. Negative predictive values were 49.1%, 63.0%, 83.3% and 51.4% respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for STOP-BANG with the cut-off of 3 points – 72.3% and lowest for SDQ-SA – 56.6%. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness was found in 44 (42.3%) of patients. Three patients (2.9%) refused or did not complete the HSAT. Conclusion Inclusion of HSAT in the diagnostic process revealed high prevalence of sleep apnea in patients with mental disorders. Psychiatrists should be encouraged to include HSAT in evaluation of patients. Such testing is patient-friendly and using only screening questionnaires does not provide high enough diagnostic accuracy. Support (if any)

0389 Co-sleeping with pets does not worsen insomnia symptoms among US veterans with sleep disorders

Abstract Introduction Little is known about the association of pets and insomnia symptoms among US veterans. The aim of this study was to examine the association between pets sleeping in the bedroom environment and insomnia symptoms in a sleep clinic cohort of US veterans. Methods The sample consisted of US veterans at risk for sleep apnea (SA) evaluated at the Miami VA Sleep Center between 9/2019 and 10/2020. Veterans completed home polysomnography and questionnaires which queried demographics, pet characteristics, insomnia (insomnia severity index [ISI]), and mental health symptoms (PROMIS-29 anxiety and depression). Three linear regression models were constructed evaluating the associations between pet ownership (pet sleeping in bedroom or bed vs no pet) and a) total ISI score, b) nocturnal symptoms only (first 3 ISI items), c) daytime impairment symptoms (last 4 ISI items). Models were adjusted for relevant covariates (age, gender, race, apnea-hypopnea index, depression, anxiety, during or before COVID). Results The sample consisted of 411 veterans (age 51 ±14, BMI 32 ± 6 Kg/m2, 41% black, 87% male). Sixty-seven veterans (16%) reported sleeping with a pet in the bedroom (57% co-sleeping with their pet). Of these, 19% sleep with a cat, 76% sleep with a dog, 6% sleep with both, and 31% sleep with multiple pets. The mean ISI was 18 ± 7 while the mean AHI 21 ±19 events / hour, and 81% of the sample had SA. In adjusted analyses, relative to veterans without pets, sleeping with a pet in the bedroom (outside of the bed) was not associated with any insomnia symptoms. However, co-sleeping with a pet in bed was associated with a lower total ISI (β = -2.1, p = 0.032) and less daytime impairments (β = -1.5, p = 0.016), but co-sleeping with a pet was not associated with nocturnal insomnia symptoms. Conclusion Among veterans with a high prevalence of SA, co-sleeping with pets in bed mitigated daytime impairments and did not worsen nocturnal insomnia symptoms. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of why co-sleeping with pets may lessen daytime impairments among veterans with SA and insomnia complaints. Support (if any) None

0899 Use of Artificial Intelligence for Early Characterization of Patients with RBD/RWA

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of polysomnography (PSG) confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) has been estimated at 0.68% of the general population, and that of probable RBD at 5.65%. Isolated RBD is considered a pre-clinical marker of neurodegeneration with strong predictive value. Large longitudinal cohort studies demonstrate 81–91% of idiopathic RBD patients, followed for ≥14-years, will develop a definite neurodegenerative disease or mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, high prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) exists in patients with RBD/REM without atonia (RWA), which can confound analysis of EMG tone and arousal activity. We demonstrate predictive AI models for RBD/RWA in subjects with and without SA. Methods Patients with known RBD/RWA who underwent PSG were divided into sub-groups with (n=86, RBDSA) and without SA (n=19, RBDNSA). Patient demographics, PSG characteristics, and co-morbid conditions were reviewed. Random forest (RF) models of PSG indices and Deep Learning (DL) methods identified predictive characteristics of RBD/RWA, sensitivity and specificity for RBD/RWA detection were estimated, and feature importance analysis was performed. Results Subjects with RBDSA compared to RBDNSA demonstrated greater BMI, AHI, Arousals (ArI), and Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs). In a Parkinson’s disease subgroup (n=12, RBDPD) compared to non-Parkinson’s sub-group, sleep was more fragmented, showing higher WASO, ArI, and PLMs. RF modeling demonstrated sensitivity/specificity of 67%/96% for RBDNSA subjects, and 79%/52% for RBDSA. Feature importance analysis resulted in several top-features for RBDNSA: N3 time, TST, AHI, REM duration, and sleep latency, while different top-features were observed for RBDSA: ratio of leg events in REM vs. non-REM, TST, ratio of arousals in REM vs. non-REM, REM duration, and REM time. Conclusion AI approaches including RF models produced high specificity and moderate sensitivity for RBDNSA subjects. Observed specificity was lower for RBDSA patients. We hypothesize the performance difference attributable to similarity and additional complexity in sleep disturbance characteristics between RBD and SA. Broad implementation of AI methods show potential to expand early detection and diagnosis of RBD and associated neurodegenerative conditions through expanded analysis, and follow-up, including RWA spectrum patients that don’t meet clinical thresholds for diagnosable RBD. Support (if any) None

Common sleep disorders in women

Sleep disturbances contribute to a high frequency of mental health and cardiovascular diseases with significant gender differences. Women have a higher incidence than men of insomnia and are more likely than men to complain of insomnia, headache, irritability, and fatigue than the ‘‘typical’’ symptoms of loud snoring and apneas during sleep. Reproductive hormones play an important role in sleep in women. In the premenopausal age these hormones have a protective effect on sleep apnea while on pregnancy there is a higher prevalence of sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Cardiovascular mortality is high in women with obstructive sleep apnea and continuous positive airway pressure therapy improves outcomes in most cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and therapies for the three most common sleep disorders (insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome), along with effects of menopause, pregnancy, and social factors on sleep in women, are key considerations for clinicians caring for female patients across the adult life span.

Cancer and atrial fibrillation/flutter: an analysis of patients referred to electrical cardioversion

Abstract Introduction Cancer is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Both an active tumour and AF are related to increased thromboembolic risk. Purpose To determine the clinical characteristics, management and prognosis of cancer patients with AF or atrial flutter (AFL) referred to electrical cardioversion (EC). Methods We conducted a retrospective study encompassing patients referred to EC due to AF/ AFL in our Cardiology Department, from September 2011 to September 2020. Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic studies and follow-up data were analysed. We considered patients with a recent (up to 5 years) diagnosis of cancer. Primary endpoints were the occurrence of stroke, bleeding complications and all-cause mortality. Results A total of 691 patients were included, with a median age of 67 years-old and 70,8% male predominance. AFL was identified in 21,1% of patients and 57,4% had arterial hypertension. Persistent AF/AFL was diagnosed in 60,7%, 20,4% presented with first diagnosed AF/AFL and 17,9% had paroxysmal episodes. 89,5% of patients had indication for anticoagulation therapy and, of these, 75,4% were medicated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC). 58 patients (8,4%) had a recent diagnosis of cancer, who were older (69,7 vs 67,9 years-old; p<0,001) and more frequently cardioverted in an outpatient setting (63,8%). They had a lower rate of heart failure (1,9% vs 16,7%; p=0,004), but a higher prevalence of sleep apnea (13% vs 5,4%; p=0,025) and chronic kidney disease (10,9% vs 4,2%; p=0,027). HAS-BLED score was applied, and higher values were obtained in cancer patients (1,0 vs 0,7; p=0,002). CHA2DS2-VASc score was not significantly different between both groups. NOAC were preferred in cancer patients (86,8% vs 74,2%; p=0,043), instead of vitamin K antagonists. These patients were less referred to AF/AFL ablation procedures (1,9% vs 11,6%; p=0,027). During a median follow-up of 1342 days, no significant differences were found regarding the occurrence of ischemic stroke and bleeding complications. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in cancer patients (31,5% vs 15,5%; p=0,003), but none died from cardiovascular causes. Conclusion Cancer is frequent in patients with AF/AFL referred to EC, who are older and had a higher bleeding risk. Stroke rate was not significantly different than other patients, and NOAC seem to be a safe medication in this population. All-cause mortality is high in cancer patients, but we did not find any association with cardiovascular causes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

803 Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia

Abstract Introduction Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a degenerative process and,as the name implies, involves the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Patients with FTD make up 10–15% of all cases of dementia and 20% diagnosed before age 65, however not much is reported about sleep disturbances in these patients. Given the area of neuronal loss one would expect that sleep may be influenced early and by issues in arousal mechanisms and in breathing pattern. This study examined the polysomnography (PSG) reports of patients with a diagnosis FTD. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with both a diagnosis of FTD and having undergone a PSG. 23 patients were identified as fulfilling both requirements. Data recorded included, diagnosis, age at time of PSG, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep latency (SL), REM sleep latency, sleep efficiency (SE), percentage of stage N1, N2, N3, and REM sleep, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), presence of Cheyne-Stoke breathing, periodic limb movement index, and presence of REM without atonia. Results Patient age ranged from 57–85 years. Average ESS was 8.8 with only 5 patients reported excessive daytime sleepiness(as assessed by ESS). The average TST was 290 minutes, average SL was 37.9 minutes, average WASO was 147.5 minutes, and average sleep efficiency was 60.3%. Patients spent the majority of time in N2 sleep with an average of 68.3% of the time spent in N2. The average time spent in N3 was 9.6% of sleep. 8.9% of sleep was spent in REM. 83% of patients were diagnosed with sleep apnea (as defined by an AHI > 5), with an average AHI of 20.2 events/hour. Cheyne-Stokes breathing was only noted in 4 of the 23 patients, or 17%. Periodic limb movements of sleep were noted in 48% of the patients (n=11). REM without atonia or RBD was not noted for any patients. Conclusion This study shows that patients with FTD suffer from typical sleep disturbances, however there is a high prevalence of sleep apnea as well as PLMS. In addition, patients with FTD have decreased sleep efficiency with increased WASO. Support (if any):

Home Sleep Apnea Test to Screen Patients With Atrial Fibrillation for Sleep Apnea Prior to Catheter Ablation.

Whether all atrial fibrillation (AF) patients should be evaluated for sleep apnea before catheter ablation (CA) remains controversial. Watch-type peripheral arterial tonometry (W-PAT) is a home sleep testing device and an easier tool for diagnosing sleep apnea than polysomnography. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of sleep apnea using W-PAT in unscreened sleep apnea patients with AF before CA.Methods and Results:The study was conducted under a retrospective, single-center, observational design. We included 776 consecutive patients who underwent both W-PAT and AF ablation. Sleep apnea assessments were successfully performed in 774 patients (99.7%; age 65±11 years, 73.3% male; body mass index [BMI] 24.1±3.5, 56.8% paroxysmal AF). The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 20.1±15.6. Although 81.7% of the patients had normal Epworth sleepiness scores (mean 6.5), only 88 (11.4%) had a normal AHI (AHI <5) and 412 (53.2%) had moderate-severe sleep apnea (AHI ≥15). Obesity, male sex, nonparoxysmal AF, hypertension, and a left atrial diameter (LAd) ≥40 mm were predictors of moderate-severe sleep apnea. However, the prevalence of moderate-severe sleep apnea in patients without those predictors (i.e., non-obesity (44.2%), female sex (43.0%), paroxysmal AF (43.9%), no hypertension (45.5%)), and LAd <40 mm (41.0%) was considerably high. Almost all patients successfully underwent W-PAT to diagnose sleep apnea. Patients undergoing AF ablation had a high prevalence of sleep apnea, and screening for sleep apnea was important in those patients even if they did not have sleepiness or risk factors.

Alternative algorithms and devices in sleep apnoea diagnosis: what we know and what we expect.

Purpose of reviewDiagnosis of sleep apnoea was performed in sleep laboratories with polysomnography. This requires a room with supervision and presence of technologists and trained sleep experts. Today, clinical guidelines in most countries recommend home sleep apnoea testing with simple systems using six signals only. If criteria for signal quality, recording conditions, and patient selection are considered, then this is a reliable test with high accuracy.Recent findingsRecently diagnostic tools for sleep apnoea diagnosis become even more simple: smartwatches and wearables with smart apps claim to diagnose sleep apnoea when these devices are tracking sleep and sleep quality as part of new consumer health checking. Alternative and new devices range from excellent diagnostic tools with high accuracy and full validation studies down to very low-quality tools which only result in random diagnostic reports. Due to the high prevalence of sleep apnoea, even a random diagnosis may match a real disorder sometimes.SummaryUntil now, there are no metrics established how to evaluate these alternative algorithms and simple devices. Proposals for evaluating smartwatches, smartphones, single-use sensors, and new algorithms are presented. New assessments may help to overcome current limitations in sleep apnoea severity metrics.Video abstract.

0699 Effect Of Kidney Transplantation On Sleep Apnea Severity: A Prospective Controlled Polysomnographic Study

Abstract Introduction Renal failure-associated fluid overload has been associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Kidney transplantation has been shown to restore a normal renal function but its effect on SA remains unclear. In this prospective study, we hypothesized that improvement of kidney function and hydration status after kidney transplantation (Tx) may result in an improvement of SA severity. Methods A total of 196 patients on kidney transplant waiting list were screened for SA using home nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) to measure the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and underwent bioimpedance to assess body composition. Polysomnography and bioimpedance were repeated 6 months after kidney transplant. Patients still on the waiting list after 6 months underwent same investigations as a control group. Results Of 88 participants (44.9%) with SA (AHI ≥15/h) at baseline, 42 patients were reassessed 6 months post-Tx and were compared to 27 control patients remaining on the waiting list after 6 months. There was a significant, although partial, post-Tx improvement in SA severity as measured by the AHI (from 44.2±24.3/h to 34.7±20.9/h, p=0.02), with a concomitant reduction in body water (from 54.9% to 51.6%, p=0.003), suggesting a causal implication of fluid overload. A post-Tx increase in body fat mass (from 26% to 30%, p=0.003) may have blunted the beneficial impact of kidney Tx on SA. These parameters remained unchanged in the control group. Conclusion SA is a frequent condition in ESKD patients. Kidney transplantation is associated with a reduction of fluid overload but an increase in fat mass, yielding only a partial improvement in SA severity. These results suggest that SA should be systematically assessed before and after kidney Tx Support Swiss Kidney Foundation, the Pulmonary League and the Organ Transplant Foundation of Lausanne

Impact of kidney transplantation on sleep apnea severity: A prospective polysomnographic study.

Fluid overload has been associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In this prospective study, we hypothesized that improvement in kidney function and hydration status after kidney transplantation (Tx) may result in an improvement in SA severity. A total of 196 patients on the kidney Tx waiting list were screened for SA using home nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) to measure the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and underwent bioimpedance to assess body composition. Of 88 participants (44.9%) with SA (AHI≥15/h), 42 were reassessed 6months post-Tx and were compared with 27 control patients. There was a significant, but small, post-Tx improvement in AHI (from 44.2±24.3 to 34.7±20.9/h, P=.02) that significantly correlated with a reduction in fluid overload (from 1.8±2.0 to 1.2±1.2L, P=.02) and body water (from 54.9% to 51.6%, P=.003). A post-Tx increase in body fat mass (from 26% to 30%, P=.003) possibly blunted the beneficial impact of kidney Tx on SA. All parameters remained unchanged in the control group. In conclusion, SA is a frequent condition in ESKD patients and partially improved by kidney Tx. We suggest that SA should be systematically assessed before and after kidney Tx. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02020642.

Pharmacologic interrogation of patients with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction using amyl nitrite.

The Chicago Classification of esophageal motility includes a group of patients who show evidence of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) as demonstrated by elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and preserved peristalsis. Our aim is to classify EGJOO patients based on response to amyl nitrite (AN) during high-resolution manometry. Patients were considered to have true EGJOO if elevated IRP during supine swallow persisted in the upright position and was associated with high intrabolus pressure. The EGJ response to AN was compared between patients with achalasia type 2 (A2) and normal esophageal motility. Based on the relaxation gain (deglutitive IRP-AN IRP) value that best discriminated these two groups (10mmHg), patients with true EGJOO were categorized as being in either the AN-responsive (AN-R) or AN-unresponsive (AN-U) subgroups. In the group of 49 patients with true EGJOO, the AN response classified 27 patients (IRP=25±10mmHg) with AN-R and 22 patients (IRP=20±5mmHg) with AN-U (P=0.2). In AN-R, AN produced a relaxation gain and rebound after-contraction response at the EGJ comparable to A2 patients. AN-U patients had an elevated IRP after AN and a relaxation gain similar to normal esophageal motility patients. AN-U patients were obese and had higher prevalence of sleep apnea (P<0.05). Among patients with true EGJOO, only half have pharmacologic evidence of impaired LES relaxation. Pharmacologic interrogation of the EGJ is thus necessary to identify the subgroup of EGJOO patients who could be expected to benefit from LES ablative therapies.

Temporal shifts in fluid in pulmonary hypertension with and without sleep apnea.

Overnight extracellular rostral fluid shifts have been shown to be of importance in patients with fluid-retaining states and are associated with a higher prevalence of sleep apnea. Pulmonary hypertension is frequently associated with right ventricular dysfunction and progressive right ventricular failure, and an increased prevalence of sleep apnea has been described. In light of the importance of fluid shifts in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, we aimed to explore temporal fluid shifts in patients with pulmonary hypertension with and without sleep apnea. Patients with pulmonary hypertension (WHO Group 1 or 4) had overnight extracellular rostral fluid shift assessment before and a minimum of 3 months after initiation of pulmonary hypertension-specific therapy. Fluid shift measurements of extracellular leg, abdominal, thoracic and neck fluid volumes were performed simultaneously. Twenty-nine patients with pulmonary hypertension (age 55 ± 16 years, 69% female) participated. Sleep apnea was diagnosed in 15 subjects (apnea-hypopnea index 14 [8-27] per hr). There were no significant differences in baseline or overnight leg extracellular rostral fluid, abdominal extracellular rostral fluid, thoracic extracellular rostral fluid or neck extracellular rostral fluid between those with and without sleep apnea. There was a significant inverse correlation between the sleep apnea severity and the overnight change in leg extracellular rostral fluid (r = -0.375, p = 0.049). There were no significant differences detected in overnight extracellular rostral fluid shifts from baseline to follow-up. Treatment-naïve patients with pulmonary hypertension both with and without sleep apnea demonstrate overnight extracellular rostral fluid shifts from the legs into the thorax and neck. Pulmonary hypertension-specific treatment, while significantly improving cardiac haemodynamics, had little impact on nocturnal extracellular rostral fluid shifts or the presence of sleep apnea.

Prevalence and risk factors of sleep apnea in adult patients with congenital heart disease.

Although sleep apnea is an important disorder associated with cardiac events, data regarding its prevalence and risk factors in adult patients with congenital heart disease are limited. In this study, patients underwent a sleep study in the hospital. Indications for admission were classified as heart failure, diagnostic catheterisation, interventional catheterisation, or arrhythmia. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of sleep apnea using a type-3 portable overnight polygraph in adult patients with congenital heart disease were evaluated. There were 104 patients [median age: 36 (interquartile range: 28-48) years] who were admitted for heart failure 34% (n = 36), diagnostic catheterisation 26% (n = 27), interventional catheterisation 18% (n = 19), or arrhythmia 22% (n = 23). The prevalence of sleep apnea, defined as a respiratory disturbance index ≥5, was 63% (n = 63), with a distribution of 37%, 16%, and 10% for mild (5≤ respiratory disturbance index &lt;15), moderate (15≤ respiratory disturbance index &lt;30), and severe (respiratory disturbance index ≥30) sleep apnea, respectively. A large majority of the sleep apnea cases were categorised as obstructive sleep apnea (92%, n = 58). The respiratory disturbance index ≥15 group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients and higher body mass index, noradrenaline level, and aortic blood pressure than the group without sleep apnea (respiratory disturbance index &lt;5). Multivariable analysis showed that New York Heart Association class ≥II (OR, 4.36; 95% CI, 1.09-20.87) and body mass index ≥25 (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.32-15.23) were independent risk factors for a respiratory disturbance index ≥15. Our results showed a high prevalence of sleep apnea in adult patients with congenital heart disease. Its unique haemodynamics may be associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnea. Congestive heart failure and being overweight are important risk factors for sleep apnea. Management of heart failure and general lifestyle improvements will be important for controlling sleep apnea symptoms in these patients.

The Intersection of Sleep Apnea and Severe Mental Illness in Veterans

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) have a high prevalence of risk factors for sleep apnea, but these risk factors often go unrecognized, partly due to the overlap among sleep apnea, somatic conditions, and symptoms (e.g., obesity, daytime sleepiness), leading to potential under-recognition of sleep apnea in a high-risk population. The objective of our study was to compare sleep apnea prevalence and clinical features among Veterans with and without SMI. Data for the current analyses were drawn from an administrative dataset of 33,818 United States Military Veterans with a primary care visit in calendar year 2007. The medical record data included demographic characteristics, and medical, psychiatric, and sleep diagnoses. Veterans with SMI had a significantly higher prevalence of sleep apnea than those without SMI. Younger Veterans with SMI had a higher prevalence of sleep apnea relative to older Veterans with SMI and Veterans with SMI and sleep apnea had a greater number of medical comorbidities than Veterans with SMI and no sleep apnea. In a large sample of Veterans, those with SMI were at greater risk of having comorbid sleep apnea. Furthermore, Veterans with comorbid SMI and sleep apnea were at greater risk for increased rates of comorbid medical disorders. Sleep apnea appears to be a key risk factor for increased morbidity in Veterans with an SMI diagnosis, highlighting the importance of treating sleep apnea in a challenging patient population.

Prevalence and risk factors of sleep apnoea in adult patients with CHD.

Although sleep apnoea is an important disorder associated with cardiac events, data regarding its prevalence and risk factors in adult patients with CHD are limited. In this study, patients underwent a sleep study in the hospital. Indications for admission were classified as heart failure, diagnostic catheterisation, interventional catheterisation, or arrhythmia. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of sleep apnoea using a type 3 portable overnight polygraph in adult patients with CHD were evaluated. This study comprised 104 patients of median age 36 years with interquartile range of 28-48 years, admitted for heart failure 34% (n = 36), diagnostic catheterisation 26% (n = 27), interventional catheterisation 18% (n = 19), or arrhythmia 22% (n = 23). The prevalence of sleep apnoea, defined as a respiratory disturbance index ≥5, was 63% (n = 63), with a distribution of 37, 16, and 10% for mild (5≤ respiratory disturbance index &lt;15), moderate (15⩽ respiratory disturbance index &lt;30), and severe (respiratory disturbance index ≥30) sleep apnoea, respectively. A large majority of the sleep apnoea cases were categorised as obstructive sleep apnoea (92%, n = 58). The respiratory disturbance index ≥15 group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients and higher body mass index, noradrenaline level, and aortic blood pressure than the group without sleep apnoea (respiratory disturbance index &lt;5). Multi-variable analysis showed that NYHA class ≥II, whose odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 1.09-20.87, and body mass index ≥25, whose odds ratio 4.29, 95% confidence interval 1.32-15.23, were independent risk factors for a respiratory disturbance index ≥15. Our results showed a high prevalence of sleep apnoea in adult patients with CHD. Its unique haemodynamics may be associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnoea. Congestive heart failure and being overweight are important risk factors for sleep apnoea. Management of heart failure and general lifestyle improvements are important for controlling sleep apnoea symptoms in these patients.

Abstract WP280: Sleep Apnea Screening is Uncommon After Stroke

Introduction: Sleep apnea (SA) predicts poor functional outcome and mortality after stroke. Minority populations, including Mexican Americans (MAs), have worse outcomes after stroke than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) and tend to have poorer access to care. We therefore sought to (1) assess access to SA-related care among post-stroke patients within a population-based study without an academic medical center, and (2) to compare ethnic differences in access to SA-related care in the post-stroke period in MAs and NHWs. Methods: MA and NHWs with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project between 2011-2015 were interviewed at approximately 90 days after stroke in reference to the post-stroke period. Questions included whether their clinical provider directly asked about (1) snoring or (2) daytime sleepiness, or (3) had offered polysomnography. Logistic regression was used to test the association between ethnicity and the three outcomes unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders: age, sex, insurance status, primary care provider status (PCP), BMI, stroke type, NIHSS at stroke presentation, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, and current smoking. Results: Of the almost 1,000 respondents, 49% were male, 63% MA, 81% had hypertension, 48% had diabetes, and 10% did not have a PCP. Mean age was 69 (SD=12) and mean BMI was 30 (SD=6.8). MAs were younger, had a higher BMI, greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, never smoking, and lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation than NHWs. Of the 985 respondents to the symptom questions, 50 (5%) reported being directly queried about snoring and 86 (9%) reported being directly queried about sleepiness. Fifty-five of 981 (6%) reported having been offered polysomnography by their providers. No ethnic differences were found among the three outcomes in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Conclusion: Screening for classic symptoms of SA and offers for formal testing of SA by clinical providers are rare by 90 days post-stroke, without ethnic differences. Provider education is needed to raise awareness about the very high prevalence of SA among stroke patients and its association with poor outcomes after stroke.

Safety Analysis of Bariatric Patients Undergoing Outpatient Upper Endoscopy with Non-Anesthesia Administered Propofol Sedation.

Non-anesthesia administered propofol (NAAP) has been shown to be a safe and effective method of sedation for patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Bariatric surgery patients are potentially at a higher risk for sedation-related complications due to co-morbidities including obstructive sleep apnea. The outcomes of NAAP in bariatric patients have not been previously reported. In this retrospective cohort study, severely obese patients undergoing pre-surgical outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were compared to non-obese control patients (BMI≤25kg/m2) undergoing diagnostic EGD at our institution from March 2011-September 2015 using our endoscopy database. Patients' demographics and procedural and recovery data, including any airway interventions, were statistically analyzed. We included 130 consecutive pre-operative bariatric surgical patients with average BMI 45.8kg/m2 (range 34-80) and 265 control patients with average BMI 21.9kg/m2 (range 14-25). The severely obese group had a higher prevalence of sleep apnea (62 vs 8%; p<0.001), experienced more oxygen desaturations (22 vs 7%; p<0.001), and received more chin lift maneuvers (20 vs 6%; p<0.001). Advanced airway interventions were rarely required in either group and were not more frequent in the bariatric group. With appropriate training of endoscopy personnel, NAAP is a safe method of sedation in severely obese patients undergoing outpatient upper endoscopy.

High Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Hemodialysis Patients with Central Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study

Background: The high prevalence of sleep apnea is reported in hemodialysis patients despite the low prevalence of obesity. The present study compared the occurrence of central sleep apnea (CSA) in hemodialysis patients with that in non-hemodialysis patients, and its association with new-onset coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Methods: Seventy-three hemodialysis and 444 non-hemodialysis patients were examined for CSA and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurrence using polysomnography. Hemodialysis patients were monitored for the occurrence of new-onset CHD events. Results: Hemodialysis patients had a significantly higher central apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; 0.7, range 0.2-3.1) than age-, sex- and obstructive AHI-matched non-hemodialysis patients (0.1, range 0-1.0; p < 0.001), in contrast with an insignificant difference for obstructive AHI. Furthermore, the prevalence of CSA was significantly higher in the hemodialysis (21.9%) than in the non-hemodialysis group (9.7%; p = 0.004). A significant and negative association existed between log (central AHI + 1) and Kt/V in hemodialysis patients. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, hemodialysis patients with CSA had a significantly higher rate of new-onset CHD events than those without CSA. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis identified CSA prevalence as an independent risk factor for the development of a new-onset CHD event, independent of OSA. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that hemodialysis patients had a significantly higher CSA prevalence than non-hemodialysis patients despite similar obstructive AHI, and that hemodialysis patients with CSA had a significantly higher risk for new-onset CHD events than those without CSA independent of obstructive AHI, suggesting CSA as a potential CHD risk specifically in hemodialysis patients.

Medium Increased Risk for Central Sleep Apnea but Not Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Long-Term Opioid Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Opioids are associated with higher risk for ataxic breathing and sleep apnea. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the influence of long-term opioid use on the apnea-hypopnea and central apnea indices (AHI and CAI, respectively). A systematic review protocol (Cochrane Handbook guidelines) was developed for the search and analysis. We searched Embase, Medline, ACP Journal Club, and Cochrane Database up to November 2014 for three topics: (1) narcotics, (2) sleep apnea, and (3) apnea-hypopnea index. The outcome of interest was the variation in AHI and CAI in opioid users versus non-users. Two reviewers performed the data search and extraction, and disagreements were resolved by discussion. Results were combined by standardized mean difference using a random effect model, and heterogeneity was tested by χ(2) and presented as I(2) statistics. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 803 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We compared 2 outcomes: AHI (320 opioid users and 483 non-users) and 790 patients with CAI (315 opioid users and 475 non-users). The absolute effect size for opioid use was a small increased in apnea measured by AHI = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.02-0.49) and a medium for CAI = 0.45 (95% CI: 0.27-0.63). Effect consistency across studies was calculated, showing moderate heterogeneity at I(2) = 59% and 29% for AHI and CAI, respectively. The meta-analysis results suggest that long-term opioid use in OSA patients has a medium effect on central sleep apnea.