Prevalence Of Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Syndrome Research Articles

Impact of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome on diabetic neuropathy. A systematic review

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome appear to be related, but it is not well defined whether there is an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients with both diseases. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review. MethodsBibliographic search in 3 electronic databases using a predefined strategy and the PRISMA methodology. Only original studies (any type of design) published from 2000 onwards in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish were included. A study quality scale was established. ResultsTwelve articles were selected, of which six studied type 2 diabetic patients. The overall prevalence of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome was 43.7% (1,559/3,564 patients). Diabetic neuropathy was more frequent in patients with sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in nine studies, although significantly only in four (60% vs 27%, p < .001; 64.5% vs 36%, p = .03; 37% vs 23.4%, p < .02; 66.6% vs 0%, p = .007). In one study, DN was more frequent in patients without SAHS (although not statistically significant) and in two no comparison was made between patients with/without sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. ConclusionsThe observed results suggest a relationship between diabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in the occurrence of diabetic neuropathy.

Impacto del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño en la neuropatía diabética. Revisión sistemática

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome appear to be related, but it is not well defined whether there is an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients with both diseases. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review. MethodsBibliographic search in 3 electronic databases using a predefined strategy and the PRISMA methodology. Only original studies (any type of design) published from 2000 onwards in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish were included. A study quality scale was established. ResultsTwelve articles were selected, of which six studied type 2 diabetic patients. The overall prevalence of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome was 43.7% (1,559/3,564 patients). Diabetic neuropathy was more frequent in patients with sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in nine studies, although significantly only in four (60% vs 27%, P<.001; 64.5% vs 36%, P=.03; 37% vs 23.4%, P<.02; 66.6% vs 0%, P=.007). In one study, diabetic neuropathy was more frequent in patients without sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (although not statistically significant) and in 2 no comparison was made between patients with/without sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. ConclusionsThe observed results suggest a relationship between diabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in the occurrence of diabetic neuropathy.

Alteraciones respiratorias durante el sueño a consecuencia de la estimulación del nervio vago

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is indicated in cases of refractory epilepsy. Its side effects are frequently minor, however, breathing disturbances during sleep have been previously reported. Our three cases are representative of sleep-disordered breathing that occurred as a consequence of VNS activity in patients with refractory epilepsy. Sleep apnoea was observed in two patients and stridor in one patient. Given the high prevalence of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in patients with refractory epilepsy, implantation of VNS should be ideally preceded by an assessment of the breathing during sleep. Furthermore, sleep-disordered breathing should be considered as a rare complication of VNS, and sleep apnoea should be investigated alongside data regarding VNS firing.

Cardiovascular risk and obesity in sleep apnea syndrome assessed with the Stop-Bang questionnaire

IntroductionSleep disorders include a number of different processes, of which the most prevalent is the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).Prevalence of SAHS has increased worldwide, and has a significant social and health impact because of the increased cardiometabolic risk attributed to obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. Material and methodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study of 1110 workers from public service companies in the Spanish Mediterranean area (Balearic Islands and Valencian Community) was conducted between January and December 2015. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Castelli, Kannel and TG/HDL indices, and prevalence of obesity using body mass index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, and visceral fat. SAHS risk was assessed using the Stop-Bang questionnaire. ResultsRisk of SAHS was low in 77% of patients and intermediate-high in 23% of patients. All obesity parameters showed a statistically significant association (p<0.001) with intermediate/high risk of SAHS. Obesity prevalence is higher the worse the quality of sleep. There was a statistically significant relationship between risk of SAHS and cardiovascular risk with the atherogenic indexes found. ConclusionsTwenty-three percent of workers had intermediate/high SAHS risk. The results of this study support the relationship of SAHS with an increased CVR and with obesity parameters.Further prospective studies in different productive sectors may be useful to confirm the results of this research.

Riesgo cardiovascular y obesidad en el síndrome de apnea del sueño valorado con el cuestionario Stop-Bang

IntroductionSleep disorders include a number of different processes, of which the most prevalent is the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).Prevalence of SAHS has increased worldwide, and has a significant social and health impact because of the increased cardiometabolic risk attributed to obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. Material and methodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study of 1110 workers from public service companies in the Spanish Mediterranean area (Balearic Islands and Valencian Community) was conducted between January and December 2015. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Castelli, Kannel and TG/HDL indices, and prevalence of obesity using body mass index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, and visceral fat. SAHS risk was assessed using the Stop-Bang questionnaire. ResultsRisk of SAHS was low in 77% of patients and intermediate-high in 23% of patients. All obesity parameters showed a statistically significant association (p value <.001) with intermediate/high risk of SAHS. Obesity prevalence is higher the worse the quality of sleep. There was a statistically significant relationship between risk of SAHS and cardiovascular risk with the atherogenic indexes found. ConclusionsTwenty-three percent of workers had intermediate/high SAHS risk. The results of this study support the relationship of SAHS with an increased CVR and with obesity parameters.Further prospective studies in different productive sectors may be useful to confirm the results of this research.

The relationship between apnoea hypopnoea index and Gensini score in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) is characterised by repetitive nocturnal hypoxemia and has a high prevalence among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). But there are few studies on patients with AMI undergoing emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). In this study, we want to find the prevalence of SAHS among patients with AMI undergoing emergency pPCI and determine whether SAHS would worsen the condition among these people, and especially affect the damage degree of the coronary artery. Over four months, 95 patients admitted for the first time for AMI were observed. All of them had emergency primary PCIs. A total of 86 patients accepted the sleep study and were divided into four groups according to the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI): SAHS was diagnosed when AHI ≥5/h and was defined as mild for AHI ≥5/h and <15/h, moderate for AHI ≥15/h and <30/h, and severe for AHI ≥30/h. On the contrary, the patients whose AHI <5/h were Non-SAHS. And the characteristics of the patients among these four groups were compared. According to the time of chest pain onset, the number of the patients between SAHS and non-SAHS, and patients' AHI during three intervals of one day were measured and compared; Makers including the sensitivity of serum troponin T (hs-TnT), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), Gensini score and collateral vessels between the SAHS and non-SAHS were compared. And the relationships between the AHI of these patients and the markers were analysed. Of the 86 patients studied, 65 had SAHS, representing a SAHS prevalence of 75.58% among patients with AMI undergoing emergency pPCI. There were significant differences in average ages, smoking and arrhythmia (P<0.05) between these four groups. There was no significant difference between AMI patients with or without SAHS regarding the day-night pattern. But there showed significant differences between SAHS and non-SAHS in Gensini score (P<0.05) and pro-BNP (P<0.05). Also, there were positive correlations between AHI and Gensini score (r=0.490, P<0.05) and pro-BNP (r=0.338, P<0.05). Among patients with AMI undergoing emergency pPCI, there is a high prevalence of SAHS. There are also positive correlations between AHI and Gensini score, and pro-BNP. Therefore, guided by the results, should we conduct a routine screening to those patients normally and could we relieve the damage to the coronary artery by curing the SAHS?

Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas y narcolepsia. Descripción de una serie hospitalaria

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among the general population, although very few cases of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) have been reported in patients with narcolepsy. This study reviews the sleep disorders found in patients with narcolepsy, the prevalence of SAHS associated with these patients and their response to the different treatments. We conducted an observation-based retrospective descriptive analysis of 25 patients diagnosed with narcolepsy, who were treated in our centre between October 2012 and December 2016. Of 470 patients evaluated in the specialised neurology consultation unit, 25 patients were diagnosed with narcolepsy (5.31%); 65% were males and the remaining 35% were females; the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 40 years. 60% presented other associated sleep disorders, the most frequent being SAHS (36%). The efficacy rate of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is 66% in patients with SAHS with an indication of CPAP. Altogether, 60% of patients with narcolepsy have a second associated sleep disorder (greater than the incidence of coexistence in the general population, of 20-25% of patients), and those reported are also the most frequent among the general population (SAHS, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder). 36% of patients with narcolepsy have SAHS as an associated condition. Of these, 78% have reached a suitable degree of control over respiratory events; 57% have achieved control with CPAP, and the remaining 43% did not require CPAP for event correction with other methods.

Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. A Reciprocal Relationship?

Epidemiological data suggest that sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is independently associated with the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Moreover, despite significant methodological limitations, some studies report a high prevalence of SAHS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). A recent meta-analysis shows that moderate–severe SAHS is associated with an increased risk of DM2 (relative risk=1.63 [09–2.45]), compared to the absence of apneas and hypopneas.Common alterations in various pathogenic pathways add biological plausibility to this relationship. Intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, caused by successive apnea–hypopnea episodes, induce several intermediate disorders, such as activation of the sympathetic nervous system, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, alterations in appetite-regulating hormones and activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis which, in turn, favor the development of insulin resistance, its progression to glucose intolerance and, ultimately, to DM2.Concomitant SAHS seems to increase DM2 severity, since it worsens glycemic control and enhances the effects of atherosclerosis on the development of macrovascular complications. Furthermore, SAHS may be associated with the development of microvascular complications: retinopathy, nephropathy or diabetic neuropathy in particular. Data are still scant, but it seems that DM2 may also worsen SAHS progression, by increasing the collapsibility of the upper airway and the development of central apneas and hypopneas.

Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño y diabetes tipo 2. ¿Una relación de ida y vuelta?

Epidemiological data suggest that sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is independently associated with the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Moreover, despite significant methodological limitations, some studies report a high prevalence of SAHS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). A recent meta-analysis shows that moderate-severe SAHS is associated with an increased risk of DM2 (relative risk=1.63 [1.09 to 2.45]), compared to the absence of apneas and hypopneas.Common alterations in various pathogenic pathways add biological plausibility to this relationship. Intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, caused by successive apnea-hypopnea episodes, induce several intermediate disorders, such as activation of the sympathetic nervous system, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, alterations in appetite-regulating hormones and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which, in turn, favor the development of insulin resistance, its progression to glucose intolerance and, ultimately, to DM2.Concomitant SAHS seems to increase DM2 severity, since it worsens glycemic control and enhances the effects of atherosclerosis on the development of macrovascular complications. Furthermore, SAHS may be associated with the development of microvascular complications: retinopathy, nephropathy or diabetic neuropathy in particular. Data are still scant, but it seems that DM2 may also worsen SAHS progression, by increasing the collapsibility of the upper airway and the development of central apneas and hypopneas.

Sleep disturbance: A forgotten syndrome in patients with Chiari I malformation

IntroductionChiari type I malformation (CM-I) is characterised by caudal ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. This is associated with brain stem, high spinal cord, and cranial nerve compression phenomena. The most frequent symptoms are occipital headaches and dizziness. Less well-known symptoms are sleep disorders and nocturnal respiratory abnormalities. SourcesMEDLINE and information from patients evaluated at the Neurosurgery and Clinical Neurophysiology Departments at Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron. DevelopmentReview article based on data obtained from MEDLINE articles since 1966, using combinations of the following keywords: “Chiari malformation” or “Arnold-Chiari malformation” and “sleep apnea” or “sleep disorders”. ConclusionsCM-I patients show a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than that observed in the general population. Some studies report a 50% prevalence of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), probably associated with sudden death in some cases. These results support analysing sleep respiratory parameters in these patients. Identifying SAHS symptoms may help optimise treatment, thereby improving quality of life and prognosis.

Regression of sinus node dysfunction after treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Background: Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction or narrowing during sleep, resulting in cyclic fluctuations in sympathovagal balance, surges in blood pressure, repetitive hypoxemia or CO2 retention, and cardiac hemodynamic changes.1The prevalence of SAHS in the general adult population is around 3%, more common in men and with increasing age. Various cardiac arrhythmias are known to be associated with SAHS, among which the one with sick sinus syndrome is well recognized.2 We present a patient in whom SAHS treatment with noninvasive nasal ventilation (continuous positive airway pressure-CPAP) completely reversed sinus node dysfunction. So far, in cases where sinus node dysfunction (SND) is found together with clinical characteristics of a SAHS, management of sleep apnea would be prudent before deciding for a pacemaker. Case report description: A 28-year-old man presented with heavy snoring; his bed partner reports that he sometimes stops breathing while he sleeps. He admits to feeling sleepy at times when he drives, although he has not had any motor vehicle accidents. He has hypertension that is controlled by medication but is otherwise healthy. Physical examination reveals that he is overweight (body-mass index 33,8) and has a large neck circumference (49 cm). Holter monitoring showed a SND, with an average heart rate of 76 bpm (range, 23-141 bpm), an occasional run of self-limiting atrial tachycardia, and pauses of up to 3.2 s in the daytime and 7.63 s at night. The nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI, 64,2 minimum SpO2-76%). The primary decision to implant a pacemaker was altered in favor of treatment with nCPAP (nasal continuous positive airway pressure) following a careful and thorough evaluation of the patient's history and symptoms, after which a severe mixed SAHS was diagnosed. Conclusions: On diagnosing SAHS with an obstructive component in patients with symptomatic bradycardia and SA block, there is no primary need for a pacemaker, but rather for implementing treatment with nCPAP. Thus, a pacemaker should only be considered in patients with intolerance or bad compliance regarding nCPAP, or in those in whom no significant reduction of bradyarrhythmia is achieved.

GW24-e3584 Prevalence of sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease.MethodsThe sleep monitoring using micro-sensitive mattress sleep monitoring system was performed in 127 hospitalised patients...

Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome and Acute Coronary Syndrome – An association not to forget

AimTo evaluate the prevalence of Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) in patients who were admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and the clinical predictors of SAHS in patients with ACS and to compare the results of the simple sleep test (SST) with polysomnography (PSG). MethodsThis was a prospective study that included patients who were admitted to the CCU with ACS, which was confirmed by coronary angiography. Demographic and anthropometric data, cardiovascular risk factors and measures on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were collected. The SST was conducted with the ApneaLink™ device during hospitalization or after discharge. Patients with an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥10/h were invited to participate in PSG. ResultsNinety-one patients with ACS were consecutively included over 4 months. Of the 58 patients who completed the study 43 (74.1%) were male. The mean age was 61.7±12.2 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.4±3.5kg/m2. The median time for SST performance was 17.5 days. This study was compatible with SAHS in 25 cases (43.1%). Patients who had an AHI ≥10/h in the SST were submitted to PSG and SST simultaneously. The median interval between the ACS and the execution of PSG was 30 days. PSG confirmed that all the cases detected by SST were positive. ConclusionIn our study, we found a high prevalence of SAHS in patients who were admitted to the CCU with ACS (43.1%). These results support the need for SAHS screening in patients who are hospitalized with ACS. The SST may have a role in the screening of SAHS in this population.

Síndrome da Apneia-Hipopneia do Sono e Síndrome Coronária Aguda – Uma associação a não esquecer

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) in patients who were admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and the clinical predictors of SAHS in patients with ACS and to compare the results of the simple sleep test (SST) with polysomnography (PSG). Methods This was a prospective study that included patients who were admitted to the CCU with ACS, which was confirmed by coronary angiography. Demographic and anthropometric data, cardiovascular risk factors and measures on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were collected. The SST was conducted with the ApneaLink TM device during hospitalization or after discharge. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 10/h were invited to participate in PSG. Results Ninety-one patients with ACS were consecutively included over 4 months. Of the fifty-eight patients who completed the study 43 (74.1%) were male. The mean age was 61.7±12.2 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.4±3.5 kg/m 2. The median time for SST performance was 17.5 days. This study was compatible with SAHS in 25 cases (43.1%). Patients who had an AHI ≥ 10/h in the SST were submitted to PSG and SST simultaneously. The median interval between the ACS and the execution of PSG was 30 days. PSG confirmed that all of the cases that were detected by SST were positive. Conclusion In our study, we found a high prevalence of SAHS in patients who were admitted to the CCU with ACS (43.1%). These results support the need for SAHS screening in patients who are hospitalized with ACS. The SST may have a role in the screening of SAHS in this population.

Alteraciones del sueño, un síndrome olvidado en los pacientes con malformación de Chiari tipo I

IntroductionChiari type I malformation (CM-I) is characterised by caudal ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. This is associated with brain stem, high spinal cord, and cranial nerve compression phenomena. The most frequent symptoms are occipital headaches and dizziness. Less well-known symptoms are sleep disorders and nocturnal respiratory abnormalities. SourcesMEDLINE and information from patients evaluated at the Neurosurgery and Clinical Neurophysiology Departments at Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron. DevelopmentReview article based on data obtained from MEDLINE articles since 1966, using combinations of the following keywords: «Chiari malformation» or «Arnold-Chiari malformation» and «sleep apnea» or «sleep disorders». ConclusionsCM-I patients show a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than that observed in the general population. Some studies report a 50% prevalence of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), probably associated with sudden death in some cases. These results support analysing sleep respiratory parameters in theses patients. Identifying SAHS symptoms may help optimise treatment, thereby improving quality of life and prognosis.

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for severe nocturnal hypoxemia in obese patients. A case-control study.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity have become two of the main threats to public health in the Western world. In addition, obesity is the most important determinant of the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), a condition that adversely affects glucose metabolism. However, it is unknown whether patients with diabetes have more severe SAHS than non-diabetic subjects. The aim of this cross-sectional case-control study was to evaluate whether obese patients with T2DM are more prone to severe SAHS than obese non-diabetic subjects.Methodology/Principal FindingsThirty obese T2DM and 60 non-diabetic women closely matched by age, body mass index, waist circumference, and smoking status were recruited from the outpatient Obesity Unit of a university hospital. The exclusion criteria included chronic respiratory disease, smoking habit, neuromuscular and cerebrovascular disease, alcohol abuse, use of sedatives, and pregnancy. Examinations included a non-attended respiratory polygraphy, pulmonary function testing, and an awake arterial gasometry. Oxygen saturation measures included the percentage of time spent at saturations below 90% (CT90). A high prevalence of SAHS was found in both groups (T2DM:80%, nondiabetic:78.3%). No differences in the number of sleep apnea-hypopnea events between diabetic and non-diabetic patients were observed. However, in diabetic patients, a significantly increase in the CT90 was detected (20.2±30.2% vs. 6.8±13,5%; p = 0.027). In addition, residual volume (RV) was significantly higher in T2DM (percentage of predicted: 79.7±18.1 vs. 100.1±22.8; p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that T2DM but not RV was independently associated with CT90.Conclusions/SignificanceT2DM adversely affects breathing during sleep, becoming an independent risk factor for severe nocturnal hypoxemia in obese patients. Given that SAHS is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, the screening for SAHS in T2DM patients seems mandatory.

Overlap Syndrome: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) are both common diseases affecting respectively 10 and 5% of the adult population over 40 years of age, and their coexistence, which is denominated overlap syndrome, can be expected to occur in about 0.5% of this population. A recent epidemiologic study has shown that the prevalence of SAHS is not higher in COPD than in the general population, and that the coexistence of the two conditions is due to chance and not through a pathophysiologic linkage between these two diseases. Patients with overlap have a more important sleep-related O(2) desaturation than do patients with COPD with the same degree of bronchial obstruction. They have an increased risk of developing hypercapnic respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary hypertension when compared with patients with SAHS alone and with patients with "usual" COPD. In patients with overlap, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and pulmonary hypertension can be observed in the presence of mild to moderate bronchial obstruction, which is different from "usual" COPD. Therapy of the overlap syndrome consists of nasal continuous positive airway pressure or nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (NIV), with or without associated nocturnal O(2). Patients who are markedly hypoxemic during daytime (Pa(O(2)) < 55-60 mm Hg) should be given conventional long-term O(2) therapy in addition to nocturnal ventilation.

Valor del análisis cardiorrespiratorio en el diagnóstico de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica

Prevalence of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is high and the polygraphy has not been validated as diagnostic technique in this group of patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate if only the cardiorespiratory analysis is valid for the diagnosis of SAHS.48 patients with ESRD were studied consecutively with all-night polysomnography. We compared the desaturation index of SaO2 > or = 4% (DI4), sleep time spent with SaO2 < 90% (T90) and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) per hour of sleep with the results of the cardiorespiratory analysis.We included 35 men and 13 women, age: 54 (16) years and IMC: 27.1. Eighteen patients were diagnosed of SAHS (37.5%). The cardiorespiratory analysis obtained a sensibility of 77.7%, specifity of 100%, positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive was 88%. The polysomnography showed an AHI: 16 (17.2), while the cardiorespiratory analysis was 11 (13.2). There were a good correlation (r = 0.970) and concordance scores (CCI = 0.967; p < 0.001). The cardiorespiratory analysis, respect the polysomnography, also obtained a good correlation and concordance for ID4 (10 [11.8] vs 15 [15.5]) and for T90 (1 [2.9] vs 2 [4.7]; p < 0.001). In the COR curve, the best cut-off point of the cardiorespiratory analysis was an AIH = 7.2.In patients with ESRD, the cardiorespiratory analysis, is valid for the diagnosis and correctly detect the SaO2 at night, both being key parameters for the diagnostic and treatment of SAHS. The polygraphy could be an alternative diagnostic test in the SAHS, although it has to be definitively validated.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Patients With Sick Sinus Syndrome

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) has been associated with different cardiovascular diseases. It may even be implicated in the pathophysiology of sick sinus syndrome (SSS). However, the precise relationship between the two syndromes is still unknown. We investigated the prevalence of SAHS in patients diagnosed with SSS. Between June 2002 and December 2004, 38 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with SSS by 24-hour Holter monitoring were studied prospectively in our institution. All patients were asked about symptoms of SAHS, and underwent polysomnography out of hospital using a validated monitor. The patients' mean age was 67 (10) years, 68% were male, and 58% were hypertensive. Holter monitoring demonstrated a maximum heart rate of 87 (6) beats/min, a minimum of 35 (3) beats/min, and a mean of 48 (3) beats/min. Some 24 (63%) patients required pacemaker implantation because of symptomatic SSS. Overall, 39% of patients had symptoms suggestive of SAHS (i.e., an Epworth index or EI>9). Polysomnography showed that only 13% of patients had a normal apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and that 31.6% (95% CI, 16.8%-46.4%) had SAHS (i.e., AIH>10 and EI>9). Given that the prevalence of SAHS in the general population is around 3%, our results indicate that it is ten-fold higher in patients with SSS than in the general population. This observation indicates that there may be a relationship between the two syndromes.

Acromegaly and Sleep Apnea

Acromegaly is often associated with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence of SAHS in patients with acromegaly and define the characteristics of acromegalic patients with and without SAHS. The study enrolled 17 patients (11 women and 6 men) residing in the province of Ourense, Spain, who were diagnosed with acromegaly. All patients underwent overnight polysomnography in a sleep laboratory. In addition, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were assessed. Sixteen of the patients underwent cephalometric study. The average age of the patients was 58 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 52-63). The average body mass index was 31 (95% CI, 29-34) and average neck circumference was 41 (95% CI, 39-43). Ten patients (58.8%) had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 10. Nine had obstructive apnea and one had central apnea. Seven (5 with an AHI>10 and 2 with an AHI<10) reported excessive daytime sleepiness with Epworth scores greater than 10 (41.2%). Five patients (29.4%) were diagnosed with SAHS (AHI>10 and Epworth>10). No correlation was found between an AHI greater than 10 and hormonal activity (P=.082). The mean growth hormone level for patients with an AHI greater than 10 was 4.8 (95% CI, 0.5-9) and the mean for those with an AHI less than 10 was 12 (95% CI, 2-27). Fifty percent of the patients were treated with a somatostatin analog and half of those treated exhibited apnea (P=.302). No cephalometric differences related to the presence of apneas were found. We found a high prevalence of sleep apneas (58.8%) and SAHS (29.4%), and central apneas were rare. We found no correlation between hormone activity level and the presence of SAHS. The incidence of SAHS was the same in somatostatin analog treated and untreated patients. Cephalometric variables did not distinguish between acromegalic patients with and without SAHS.