Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome Group Research Articles

Metabolomic profiles predict clinical severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) poses a significant health hazard, intermittent hypoxia inflicts damage throughout the body and is considered a critical risk factor for metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to establish a metabolic profile for patients with OSAHS using nontargeted metabolomics detection techniques, providing a basis for OSAHS diagnosis and novel biological marker identification. 45 patients with OSAHS composed the OSAHS group, and 44 healthy volunteers composed the control group. Nontargeted metabolomics technology was used to analyze participants' urinary metabolites. Differentially abundant metabolites were screened and correlated through hierarchical clustering analysis. We constructed a composite metabolite diagnostic model using a random forest model. Simultaneously, we analyzed the relationships between 20 metabolites involved in model construction and OSAHS severity. The urinary metabolomics pattern of the OSAHS group exhibited significant changes, demonstrating noticeable differences in metabolic products. Urinary metabolite analysis revealed differences between the mild-to-moderate OSAHS and severe OSAHS groups. The composite metabolite model constructed in this study demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance not only in distinguishing healthy control participants from patients with mild-to-moderate OSAHS (area under the curve = 0.78) and patients with severe OSAHS (area under the curve = 0.78), but also in discriminating between patients with mild-to-moderate and severe OSAHS (area under the curve = 0.71). This study comprehensively analyzed the urinary metabolomic characteristics of patients with OSAHS. The established composite metabolite model provides robust support for OSAHS diagnosis and severity assessment. Twenty metabolites associated with OSAHS disease severity offer a new perspective for diagnosis. Wang X, Zhao J, Wang X, Zhang L. Metabolomic profiles predict clinical severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(9):1445-1453.

Correlation between serum leptin level and sleep monitoring indexes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and its predictive value: a cross-sectional analysis.

To investigate the association between serum leptin (LP) level and polysomnography (PSG) parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). A cross-sectional study was conducted. The data of subjects who underwent PSG at hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were collected retrospectively, 220 participants were included. The subjects were categorized into simple snoring group (n = 45), mild OSAHS group (n = 63), moderate OSAHS group (n = 52), and severe OSAHS group (n = 60). The general characteristics, PSG indices, and serological indices were collected retrospectively. Pearson correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between serum LP level and PSG parameters. The value of serum LP level in predicting OSAHS was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve. The serum LP level was positively correlated with micro-arousal count, micro-arousal index (MAI), high apnea hypopnea index, times of blood oxygen decreased by≥3% and time in saturation lower 90%, and negatively correlated with lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation and mean oxygen saturation (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum LP level in predicting the occurrence of OSAHS was 0.8276 (95% CI: 0.7713-0.8839), and when the Youden index was 0.587, the sensitivity was 72.00%, and the specificity was 86.67% (p < 0.0001). In the population with high MAI, the AUC of serum LP level in predicting the occurrence of OSAHS was 0.8825 (95% CI: 0.7833-0.9817), and when the Youden index was 0.690, the sensitivity was 79.00% and the specificity was 90.00% (p < 0.0001). Serum LP level is associated with the severity of OSAHS. Serum LP level demonstrates a strong predictive value for the occurrence of OSAHS, particularly in population with high MAI.

Changes of Serum Adiponectin Level in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and Its Relationship with Sleep Monitoring Indexes.

To observe the changes of serum adiponectin (AP) levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and explore the correlation between serum AP and polysomnography (PSG) parameters in patients with OSAHS. The data of subjects who underwent PSG at the hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were collected retrospectively and divided into simple snoring group (AHI < 5 times/h, n = 45), mild OSAHS group (5 ≤ AHI < 15 times/h, n = 63), moderate OSAHS group (15 ≤ AHI ≤ 30 times/h, n = 52), and severe OSAHS group (AHI > 30 times/h, n = 60). The general data, PSG indices, and serological indices of the subjects were collected and compared between groups. Pearson correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis were employed to examine the correlation between serum AP level and PSG parameters. Ordered logistic regression was employed to analyze the risk factors influencing the severity of OSAHS. The predictive capability of the serum AP level in determining the occurrence of OSAHS was assessed using ROC. The serum AP levels of subjects with different subtypes of PSG indicators were compared. In the simple snoring group, mild OSAHS group, moderate OSAHS group, and severe OSAHS group, there were statistically significant differences in microarousal count, MAI, AHI, times of blood oxygen decreased by ≥ 3%, L-SaO2, and TS90% among the 4 groups (P < 0.05). The level of serum AP was positively correlated with L-SaO2 and negatively correlated with the proportion of REM, microarousal count, MAI, AHI, times of blood oxygen decreased by ≥ 3%, TS90%, and LP (P < 0.05). High AHI was a risk factor affecting the severity of OSAHS (95% CI: 1.446-4.170). The AUC of serum AP level in diagnosing OSAHS was 0.906 (95% CI: 0.8601-0.9521), and when the Youden Index was 0.678, the sensitivity was 88.9%, and the specificity was 78.9% (P < 0.0001). In the population with a high microarousal count, high AHI, and high times of blood oxygen decreased by ≥ 3% and high TS90%, the serum AP level was lower than that in the low-level population (P < 0.05). In the population with high L-SaO2, the serum AP level was higher than that in low-level population (P < 0.05). The level of serum AP decreased with the increase of the disease severity of patients with OSAHS and demonstrates a significant predictive capability for the occurrence of OSAHS. Monitoring the level of serum AP can effectively forecast the risk of OSAHS. Furthermore, alterations in serum AP levels are associated with both hypoxemia and a heightened frequency of arousal in patients with OSAHS.

Ultrasonographic changes and impact factors of diaphragmatic function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Diaphragmatic impairment has been reported in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. However, the risk factors of diaphragmatic dysfunction are unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the diaphragmatic function and to investigate impact factors of ultrasonographic changes of the diaphragm in OSAHS patients. This cross-sectional study recruited 150 snoring patients. All patients were divided into the control group (AHI < 5/h, n = 20), the mild-to-moderate OSAHS group (5/h ≤ AHI ≤ 30/h, n = 61), and the severe OSAHS group (AHI > 30/h, n = 69). Diaphragmatic thickness at function residual capacity (TFRC) and total lung capacity (TTLC) were measured by two-dimensional ultrasound, and the diaphragmatic excursion during tidal and deep breath was measured by M-mode ultrasound. The diaphragmatic thickening fraction (TF) was calculated. Spearman analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were conducted to analyze the impact factors of diaphragmatic function. TFRC in the control group, mild-to-moderate OSAHS group, and severe OSAHS group was 1.23 (1.10, 1.39) mm, 1.60 (1.43, 1.85) mm, and 1.90 (1.70, 2.25) mm; TTLC was 2.75 (2.53, 2.93) mm, 3.25 (2.90, 3.55) mm, and 3.60 (3.33, 3.90) mm, and TF was 119.23% (102.94, 155.97), 96.55% (74.34, 119.11), and 85.29% (60.68,101.22). There were across-group significant differences in TFRC, TTLC, and TF (P < 0.05). The oxygen desaturation index was the influencing factor of TFRC, TTLC, and TF (P < 0.05). The diaphragm is thickened and diaphragmatic contractility is decreased in OSAHS patients. Nocturnal intermittent hypoxia is a risk factor for diaphragmatic hypertrophy and impaired diaphragmatic contractility.

Meta-Analysis: Characteristics of Retinal Vasculature in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Humans.

The objective of this study is to determine optic nerve head vascular changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) by utilizing an optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) device. A detailed studies search was screened in the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception to August 2023. We reviewed and examined optic nerve head vascular density in eyes with OSAS and controls. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated to evaluate continuous outcomes. Review Manager version 5.4.1 was applied for analysing pooled data. Six eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis. The radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) whole enface vessel density (VD) measured by OCTA in the mild-to-moderate and severe OSAS groups was significantly lower compared to the controls (MD = -0.96, P = 0.03; MD = -1.42, P = 0.001, respectively). For RPC peripapillary VD, eyes in mild-to-moderate OSAS showed a trending decrease compared to the controls (MD = -1.71, P = 0.05), and there was a remarkable difference between eyes with severe OSAS and the controls (MD = -3.08, P = 0.004). In addition, the RPC inside disc VD was decreased in severe OSAS eyes than in the controls (MD = -0.07, P = 0.94). Our results revealed that peripapillary vascular density was attenuated in patients with OSAS. Moreover, on the basis of these findings, we suggest that optic nerve head vascular density measured by OCTA may be used as a potential tool to diagnose and monitor the severity of patients with OSAS.

Study on the Changes of Liver and Kidney Function-Related Indicators and Clinical Significance in Patients with OSAHS.

Purpose To study the changes of liver and kidney function-related indexes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and analyze their clinical significance. Method Ninety OSAHS patients treated in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2021 were selected. According to the apnea-hypopnea Index (AHI), they were divided into mild OSAHS group (5 ≤ AHI < 15 times/h, 35 people), moderate OSAHS group (15 ≤ AHI < 30 times/h, 35 people), and severe OSAHS group (AHI ≥ 30 times/h, 20 people). In addition, 50 healthy people who underwent physical examination in our hospital at the same time were selected as the control group, and the liver and kidney function and polysomnography (PSG)-related indexes of the above subjects were detected, and the comparison between the groups was carried out. Result The serum BUN and SCR levels of the severe group were significantly higher than those of the moderate group, the moderate group had significantly higher levels than the mild group, and the mild group had significantly higher levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The blood AST level of the severe group was significantly lower than that of the moderate group, the moderate group had a significantly lower level than the mild group, and the mild group had a significantly lower level than the control group (P < 0.05). The blood ALT level of the severe group was significantly higher than that of the moderate group, the moderate group had significantly a higher level than the mild group, and the mild group had a significantly higher level than the control group (P < 0.05). The proportions of abnormal liver and kidney function in the control group, mild group, moderate group, and severe group were significantly different (P < 0.05). The AHI of the severe group was significantly higher than that of the moderate group, the moderate group had a higher value than the mild group, and the mild group had a higher value than the control group (P < 0.05). The ASpO2 and MSpO2 of the severe group were significantly lower than those of the moderate group, the moderate group had significantly lower values than the mild group, and the mild group had significantly lower values than the control group (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the liver and kidney function indexes of OSAHS patients were significantly correlated with PSG indexes (P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with OSAHS will have obvious liver and kidney dysfunction, and the monitoring of liver and kidney function in such patients should be strengthened. If abnormality occurs, early intervention is recommended.

Relationship between blood amyloid A and resting magnetic resonance functional brain connections in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of resting brain function.MethodsMale patients with OSAHS were enrolled from January to June 2019 in Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, and nineteen healthy male volunteers were selected as the normal control group. The patients with OSAHS were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Early in the morning after the polysomnography (PSG), blood samples were collected and serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All subjects were scored by the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) scale. Resting brain function images of healthy male volunteers and patients in the severe group were collected by 3.0 T magnetic resonance scanner. SPSS25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe SAA of the OSAHS group (n = 43) were higher than those of control group (n = 19). The scores of AVLT-immediate and AVLT-delay in the severe OSAHS group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and it was negatively correlated with SAA. In the severe OSAHS group, the rest state Function Connection (rsFC) in temporal lobe, marginal lobe, and frontal lobe was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05) and was significantly negatively correlated with SAA. The rsFC in bilateral parietal lobes was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), was significantly positively correlated with SAA, and was negatively correlated with AVLT-delay.ConclusionsThe significant increase in SAA concentration in patients with OSAHS correlated with brain rsFC intensity, providing a reference role for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cognitive dysfunction in patients with OSAHS.

Correlation between oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Background/Aim. It is necessary to find relevant oxidative stress markers for predicting the severity of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), a sleep disorder-related respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to investigate if there is a correlation between oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in OSAHS patients. Methods. A total of 220 patients were divided into the group of snoring patients, the group with mild to moderate OSAHS, and the group with severe OSAHS according to polysomnography (PSG). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and baseline data were monitored. Oxidative stress indices were measured by colorimetry from blood samples taken early in the morning. The patients were then divided into the group with normal cognition and cognitive impairment group based on minimental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Independent risk factors for cognitive impairment were analyzed by multi-variate logistic regression. The correlation between oxidative stress and cognitive impairment was analyzed by Pearson?s method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves made it possible to analyze the efficiency of oxidative stress combined with detection for assessing cognitive impairment in OSAHS patients. Results. The snoring group, mild to moderate OSAHS group, and severe OSAHS group had significantly different snoring loudness, body mass index (BMI), AHI, ODI, MoCA, and MMSE scores, and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p &lt; 0.05). The cognitive impairment group and group with normal cognition had different BMI, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, neuroglobin, hypoxia-inducible factor, AHI, and lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation (p &lt; 0.05 or p &lt; 0.01) levels. BMI, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, neuroglobin, hypoxia-inducible factor, AHI, and lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. The MoCA and MMSE scores of cognitive impairment had positive correlations with GSH-Px and SOD but negative correlations with MDA (p &lt; 0.05). The area under the ROC curve of GSH-Px, MDA, and SOD and their combination for prediction of cognitive impairment were 0.670, 0.702, 0.705, and 0.836, respectively. Conclusion. Oxidative stress may be the biochemical basis of cognitive impairment in OSAHS patients.

Biomarkers and Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

ObjectivePatients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) have impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA). This study aimed to explore whether serum levels of apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100), fibronectin (FN), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were related to impaired dCA in OSAHS.MethodsA total of 90 patients with OSAHS from our database management system were enrolled and further divided into three subgroups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using polysomnography results: mild (5 ≤ AHI ≤ 15), moderate (15 < AHI ≤ 30), and severe OSAHS (AHI > 30), with 30 patients in each group. Thirty sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. The serum levels of ApoB-100, FN, and CP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. dCA was assessed by analyzing the phase difference (PD) using transfer function analysis.ResultsSerum levels of ApoB-100, FN, and CP were significantly higher in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAHS groups than that in the control group (P<0.001, respectively). The average PD of the moderate and severe OSAHS groups was lower than that of the control group (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that ApoB-100, FN, and CP might be able to distinguish patients with OSAHS from healthy individuals (area under the curve = 0.959 [95% CI 0.92–1.00], 0.987 [95% CI 0.96–1.01], 0.982 [95% CI 0.96–1.00]), respectively, P<0.001). The average PD was linearly correlated with the serum levels of ApoB-100, FN, and CP in patients with OSAHS. Multivariable analysis showed that FN and arousal index in polysomnography were associated with impaired average PD (P<0.001 and P=0.025, respectively).ConclusionSerum levels of ApoB-100, FN, and CP increased in patients with OSAHS. dCA was compromised in patients with OSAHS and was positively correlated with ApoB-100, FN, and CP serum levels, and FN serum levels and arousal index in polysomnography were independently associated with impaired dCA.

Influencing Factors of Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and Its Correlation with Pulse Oxygen Decline Rate.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and the correlation between daytime sleepiness and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS. Methods From January 2018 to April 2021, 246 consecutive patients with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) in our hospital were selected. All patients were grouped according to the minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation and apnea hypopnea index (AHI). There were 33 cases in the no sleep hypoxia group, 34 cases in the mild hypoxia group, 119 cases in the moderate hypoxia group, and 60 cases in the severe hypoxia group. There were 30 cases in the simple snoring group, 55 cases in the mild OSAHS group, 48 cases in the moderate OSAHS group, and 113 cases in the severe OSAHS group. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores of each group were compared. All patients were grouped according to ESS score. Those with score ≥9 were included in the lethargy group (n = 118), and those with score ≤10 were included in the no lethargy group (n = 128). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients. Pearson correlation analysis showed the correlation between ESS score and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS. Results The ESS score of the severe hypoxia group > the moderate hypoxia group > the mild hypoxia group > the no sleep hypoxia group. There was significant difference among the groups (F = 19.700, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences between the severe hypoxia group and other groups and between the moderate hypoxia group and the no sleep hypoxia group and the mild hypoxia group (P < 0.05). The ESS score of the severe OSAHS group > the moderate OSAHS group > the mild OSAHS group > the simple snoring group. There was significant difference among the groups (F = 19.000, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences between the severe OSAHS group and other groups and between the moderate OSAHS group and the simple snoring group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that BMI, neck circumference, snoring degree, total apnea hypopnea time, AHI, micro arousal index (MAI), oxygen saturation (CT90%), lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), and mean oxygen saturation (MSaO2) were the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AHI and CT90% were independent risk factors for daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between ESS score and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS (r = 0.765, P < 0.0001). Conclusion OSAHS patients may be accompanied by daytime sleepiness in varying degrees, which may be independently related to AHI and CT90%. The degree of daytime sleepiness in patients with severe OSAHS may be closely related to the decline rate of pulse oxygen, which should be paid great attention in clinic.

Association Between Intermittent Hypoxia and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

The present study was undertaken to examine the association between intermittent hypoxia and left ventricular (LV) remodeling and explore which parameter of intermittent hypoxia is most relevant to LV remodeling in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Two hundred eighty six patients underwent polysomnographic examination were enrolled. Based on apnea-hypoxia index (AHI), patients were divided into no, mild, moderate and severe OSAHS groups. Between-group differences in LV remodeling and the association between parameters of intermittent hypoxia and LV remodeling was evaluated. Patients with severe OSAHS were more likely to have hypertension, and higher values of LV mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI). In univariate regression analysis, male, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), statins, antihypertensive drugs, creatinine, and parameters of intermittent hypoxia (AHI, obstructive apnea index [OAI], lowest oxygen saturation [LSpO2], oxygen desaturation index [ODI], time spent below oxygen saturation of 90% [TS90%], and mean nocturnal oxygen saturation [MSpO2]) were associated with LVMI. After multivariate regression analyses, only male gender, BMI, systolic BP, creatinine, and ODI remained significantly associated with LVMI. Compared to those without LV hypertrophy (LVH), patients with LVH had higher ODI. Compared to patients with normal LV, concentric remodeling and eccentric LVH, those with concentric LVH had higher ODI. In conclusion, intermittent hypoxia was significantly associated with left ventricular remodeling; and among various parameters of intermittent hypoxia, ODI was the most relevant to LV remodeling.

Relationship between insomnia phenotype and mild cognitive impairment in young and middle-aged patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective: To explore the relationship between insomnia phenotype and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in young and middle-aged patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Those patients admitted due to snoring and examined by polysomnography (PSG) in the Sleep Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2014 to January 2019 were screened. They were between 30 and 60 years old, and their cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and their sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). According to the sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI), the patients were divided into three groups: snoring group (AHI<5 times/h), mild/moderate OSAHS group (5≤AHI≤30 times/h) and severe OSAHS group (AHI>30 times/h). According to the results of PSQI score, the patients were further divided into non-insomnia group (PSQI total score<8) and insomnia group (PSQI total score≥8). The differences of parameters in different groups were compared, and the relationship between OSAHS insomnia phenotype and MCI was analyzed by binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2 098 patients with the average age of (42.7±8.4) years old and the average BMI of (26.3±3.6) kg/m(2) were enrolled in the study, including 398 cases in snoring group (including 254 cases in non-insomnia group and 144 cases in insomnia group), 754 cases in mild/moderate OSAHS group (including 446 cases in non-insomnia group and 308 cases in insomnia group) and 946 cases in severe OSAHS group (including 722 cases in non-insomnia group and 224 cases in insomnia group). In the mild/moderate OSAHS group, compared with the non-insomnia group, the proportion of women in the insomnia group was higher with lighter degree of obesity, lighter severity of illness and lighter degree of hypoxia (all P<0.05). In the severe OSAHS group, the general characteristics of insomnia patients were similar to those of the mild/moderate OSAHS group, and the MoCA score of the insomnia group was lower than that of the non-insomnia group [(26.3±2.7) vs (25.5±2.9) points] (P=0.001). In the evaluation of each item of PSQI, the total score and daytime dysfunction score of insomnia patients in mild/moderate OSAHS group and severe OSAHS group was higher than those in snoring group [(11.2±1.9) points, (12.8±2.2) points vs (10.9±2.1) points and (1.5±0.4) points, (1.9±0.8) points vs (0.5±0.5) points], but the score in sleep latency was lower than that in snoring group [(1.5±0.5) points, (1.5±0.5) points vs (2.1±0.8) points] (all P<0.05). After correcting the effects of OSAHS disease severity, hypoxia, awake times, education, age, gender, hypnagogue, BMI, smoking and drinking history, the risk of MCI in insomnia group of severe OSAHS patients was significantly higher than that of non-insomnia group by 49% (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.05-2.11). Conclusion: Insomnia phenotype is a common clinical phenotype of OSAHS, and it is a risk factor for MCI in young and middle-aged patients with severe OSAHS.

Injury and Apoptosis in the Palatopharyngeal Muscle in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

BackgroundThis study aimed to elucidate the possible activity of the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway (MMAP) in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Material/MethodsA control group, a mild OSAHS group, a moderate OSAHS group, and a severe OSAHS group were included. Masson staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed to assess collagen fiber hyperplasia, pathological morphology, and cell apoptosis, respectively, in muscle samples.ResultsIn the OSAHS groups, the palatopharyngeal muscle fibers were larger, with apparent hypertrophy and increased elastic fiber content. The proportions of type I fibers were markedly higher in the control group than in the moderate and severe OSAHS groups (P<0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was significantly enhanced in the muscle cells of the OSAHS groups. The Bax expression levels gradually increased across the 4 groups (lowest in the control group and highest in the severe OSAHS group) (P<0.05); conversely, the p38 and p62 expression levels did not significantly differ among groups (P>0.05).ConclusionsA decrease in the proportion of the different fiber types can result in collapse of the upper airway. The pathogenesis of OSAHS appears to involve muscle cell apoptosis via MMAP.

Association of diabetic nephropathy with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 322 patients with T2DM participated in this cross-sectional study. OSAHS was diagnosed according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and it was categorized as follows: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Relevant clinical data retrieved from medical charts were cross-analyzed between different groups. The relationship between urinary albumin/creatinine ratio(UACR) and OSAHS parameters, which included AHI, lowest oxygen saturation (L-SaO2), and mean oxygen saturation (M-SaO2), was evaluated by partial correlation analysis. DN stages were classified into a non-DN group, a microalbuminuria group, and a macroalbuminuria group. Multiple factor logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze factors influencing DN. The results showed that mild OSAHS, moderate OSAHS, and severe OSAHS patients had a higher Body mass index (BMI), creatinine (CR) level, UACR, and a longer duration of T2DM (p < 0.05) than the non-OSAHS group. The prevalence of DN in the non-OSAHS, mild OSAHS, moderate OSAHS, and severe OSAHS groups was 18.4%, 19.2%, 34.6%, and 49.4%, respectively (p < 0.05). Multiple factor logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR = 1.03), AHI (OR = 1.02), and duration of T2DM (OR = 1.04) were correlated with DN (p < 0.05). These findings revealed that OSAHS is highly prevalent in T2DM and AHI is independently associated with the presence of DN.

Elderly hypertension patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and heart rate and blood pressure variability and the intervention effects of home-based continuous positive airway pressure therapy

Objective To study the correlation of the degree of sleep apnea with arrhythmia, heart rate variability(HRV)and blood pressure variability(BPV)in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS), and to investigate the intervention effects of home-based continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)treatment. Methods A total of 122 elderly hypertension patients with OSAHS were recruited in the prospective study.Patients were divided into three groups according to the sleep apnea hypopnea index(apnea hypopnea index, AHI): the mild OSAHS group(5 times/h≤AHI≤15 times/h, n=42), moderate OSAHS group(15 times/h 30 times/h, n=40). All patients took ambulatory electrocardiogram and ambulatory blood pressure examinations before and after three months of CPAP treatment.The incidences of arrhythmia, HRV and BPV indexes of each group before and after CPAP treatment were compared between the groups. Results The incidences of premature atrial contraction, atrial tachycardia and premature ventricular beats were higher in the moderate and severe OSAHS groups than in the mild OSAHS group(P<0.01). Compared with the mild OSAHS group, the RR interval standard deviation(SDNN), root mean square of successive differences(rMSSD), proportion of patients with consecutive RR-interval differences greater than 50 ms(PNN5), standard deviation of the averaged normal RR intervals for all 5 min segments and deceleration capacity of rate increased in the moderate and severe OSAHS groups(P<0.05), and the increases were more obvious in the severe group.Compared with the mild OSAHS group, the standard deviation of 24-h systolic blood pressure, standard deviation of 24-h diastolic blood pressure, standard deviation of daytime systolic blood pressure, standard deviation of nighttime systolic blood pressure and incidence of non-dipper hypertension increased in the moderate and severe OSAHS groups(P<0.05), with the increases were more obvious in the severe group, and the differences was significant between the moderate and severe OSAHS groups(P<0.05). HRV and BPV indicators improved except for high frequency(HF)/low frequency(LF)in all groups(P<0.05)after home treatment of CPAP, and the improvement was more obvious in the severe group.The incidence of non-dipper circadian rhythm of blood pressure improved more significantly in the severe OSAHS group than in the moderate OSAHS group. Conclusions With aggravated sleep apnea, the incidences of arrhythmias such as premature atrial contraction, atrial tachycardia, and premature ventricular contraction are increased and the HRV and BPV are enlarged in elderly hypertension patients complicated with OSAHS.The home treatment of CPAP can improve the above indicators, and it is an effective way to treat OSAHS complicated by hypertension in elderly patients. Key words: Hypertension; Sleep apnea, obstructive; Intermittent pressure ventilation

The No-apnea score vs. the other five questionnaires in screening for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in patients with cerebral infarction.

Given the growing number of patients suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), screening methods have become increasingly important for sleep clinics. We analyzed the clinical value of the No-apnea score which is used to diagnose OSAHS in patients with cerebral infarction, and compared the accuracy of the No-apnea score with the accuracy of the NoSAS score, the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the STOP questionnaire (STOP) and the Berlin questionnaire (BQ). Between January 2014 and December 2018, a total of 221 cerebral infarction patients, suspected of having OSAHS, underwent the polysomnography (PSG) for one night at the sleep medical center of Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital. The PSG data were collected and analyzed with the NoSAS score, the SBQ, the ESS, the STOP, the BQ, and patients' demographic information. Based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the patients were classified into four groups: the normal group (<5 events/h), mild OSAHS group (5-15 events/h), moderate OSAHS group (15-30 events/h) and severe OSAHS group (≥30 events/h). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and areas under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) were calculated for the five questionnaires to compare their relative efficacies for diagnosing OSAHS. When using the standard of AHI ≥5 for diagnosing OSAHS, the NoSAS score had an AUC of 0.831; the SBQ had an AUC of 0.730; the BQ had an AUC of 0.698; and the STOP had an AUC of 0.735, so these techniques are relatively accurate in diagnosing OSAHS. On the other hand, the No-apnea score and the ESS score are relatively less accurate comparing to the rest: the No-apnea had an AUC of 0.626, and the ESS had an AUC of 0.650. Using the NoSAS score to predict AHI ≥5 events/h, AHI ≥15 events/h and AHI ≥30 events/h, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.867 and 0.731, 0.888 and 0.476, 0.889 and 0.369, respectively; Using the SBQ to predict AHI ≥5 events/h, AHI 15 events/h and AHI ≥30 events/h, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.903 and 0.268, 0.914 and 0.200, 0.903 and 0.268, respectively; Using the STOP to predict AHI ≥5 events/h, AHI ≥15 events/h and AHI ≥30 events/h, the values were 0.830 and 0.500, 0.871 and 0.390, 0.875 and 0.302, respectively; and using the BQ to predict AHI ≥5 events/h, AHI ≥15 events/h and AHI ≥30 events/h, the values were 0.758 and 0.482, 0.810 and 0.429, 0.819 and 0.362, respectively. The study concludes that the NoSAS score and the SBQ had a better predictive value for cerebral infarction patients suspected with OSAHS disease. These questionnaires can also effectively help clinicians quickly address nocturnal hypoxia in patients with cerebral infarction to control subsequent complications in patients with cerebral infarction. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the NoSAS score in screening for OSAHS in patients with cerebral infarction.

The characteristics and determining factors of attention and short-term memory impairment in young patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Objective: To explore the characteristics and determining factors of attention and short-term memory impairment in young patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: A total of 203 eligible patients with snoring were recruited for the study at Sleep Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from July 2016 to July 2017, and they were all monitored with overnight polysomnography(PSG), recording sleep parameters [NREM (Ⅰ+Ⅱ) sleep ratio, NREM Ⅲ sleep ratio, REM sleep ratio] and respiratory parameters (AHI, ODI, LSaO(2), TS90%, RRMAI). Based on apnea/hypopnea index(AHI), the patients were categorized into non-OSAHS group (0<AHI≤5/h), mild and moderate OSAHS group (5<AHI≤30/h), and severe OSAHS group (AHI>30/h). All patients were assessed for sleepiness and the Motreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaires, Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS), attention and short-term memory assessment which included Trail Marking Test(TMT), digit span test(DST), and Complex Figure Test(CFT). The PSG parameters, ESS scores, total MoCA scores, attention and short-term memory were compared among groups, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the characteristics of attention and short-term memory impairment in young patients with OSAHS and their determining factors. Results: In the overall cognitive function assessment, severe OSAHS patients's MoCA scores were lower than those of the other two groups [27.0 (25.0, 28.0) vs 27.0 (26.0, 28.0) , 27.0 (26.0, 27.0) , P<0.01]. In the sleepiness self-assessment, severe OSAHS patients's ESS scores were significantly higher than those of the other groups (11.4±5.4 vs 5.3±4.5, 8.0±5.0, P<0.01) . In the attention tests, scores on the DST-D (8.1±1.1 vs 8.8±0.9, 8.5±1.0) and DST-B[5.5 (4.0, 7.0) vs 6.0 (5.0, 7.0) , 6.0 (5.0, 7.0) ] were significantly lower in severe OSAHS patients than in the other two groups (P<0.01) . In the memory tests, the re-drawing scores of severe OSAHS patients were significantly lower than those of the other two groups [23.0 (16.0, 27.0) vs 26.0 (24.0, 28.0) , 24.0 (20.0, 28.0) , P<0.01]. In the executive function tests, severe OSAHS patients spent much longer on both TMT-A (46.7±19.0 vs 40.2±17.4, 34.6±17.2) and TMT-B (76.9±32.6 vs 67.2±21.2, 58.6±27.5) than the other two groups (P<0.01). Multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that, AHI, ODI and NREM (Ⅰ+Ⅱ) sleep ratios were the independent determining factors. Conclusion: Attention and short-term memory functions of young patients with OSAHS were impaired. The severity of apnea and hypoxia, NREM (Ⅰ+Ⅱ) ratio were all determining factors.

The expressions of CTLA-4 and PD-1 on CD(4)(+) T cells and the level of plasma VEGF in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective: CD(4)(+)T cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are associated with cancer development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of CTLA-4, PD-1 and VEGF in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: From January 2017 to January 2018, a total of 47 first-visit outpatients were recruited in the Sleep and Respiratory Disorder Center of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, and were divided into control group (N=17, mean age 54±12 years), mild-to-moderate OSAHS group (N=15, mean age 54±12 years) and severe OSAHS group (N=15, mean age 56±13 years). Venous blood was collected, plasma and cells were isolated, the expressions of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on the surface of CD(4)(+)T cells were detected by flow cytometry, and plasma VEGF was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The proportion of CD(4)(+)T cells in control group, mild-to-moderate OSAHS group and severe OSAHS group were respectively(38±8)%, (35±8)% and (38±6)% (F=1.228, P>0.05). The expression of CTLA-4 on CD(4)(+)T cells were respectively [1.13 (0.59~1.78)]%, [0.45 (0.16~1.43)]% and [0.87(0.47~1.46)]% (H=2.205, P>0.05). The expression of PD-1 on CD(4)(+)T cells were respectively [4.24 (2.12~6.03)]%, [3.54(2.69~5.09)]% and [3.31(1.67~8.25)]% (H=0.541, P>0.05). The concentrations of VEGF in control group, mild-to-moderate OSAHS group and severe OSAHS group were statistically different [(395.16±87.78) ng/L vs (452.85±107.97) ng/L vs (546.42±199.27) ng/L, F=4.827, P=0.013]. Compared with the control group, VEGF concentration was significantly increased in the severe OSAHS group(P<0.01). VEGF concentration was correlated negatively with the lowest SpO(2) (r (s)=-0.480,P=0.001), but positively with apnea-hypopnea index(r (s)=0.403, P=0.005), oxygen desaturation index (r (s)=0.378, P=0.010) and proportion of SpO(2) less than or equal to 90% of total sleep time(r (s)=0.547, P=0.000 3). Conclusion: There was no significant difference of PD-1 and CTLA-4 expression on CD(4)(+)T cells in patients with and without OSAHS. The expression of VEGF was elevated in OSAHS patients, and increased with the severity of OSAHS and hypoxia.

The influence of excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep quality on anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective: To explore the factors that contribute to the anxiety and depression in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients in terms of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sleep quality. Methods: A total of 196 OSAHS patients, including 103 severe patients and 93 mild-moderate patients, were enrolled. Polysomnography was carried on at the sleep center of the First Hospital of China Medical University between May 2013 and November 2015. According to the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and the subject daytime sleepiness symptom, all patients were divided into EDS group and non-EDS group. The patients' general information and subjective symptoms were recorded. Emotional states were assessed with self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS). Sleep quality was evaluated with Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The anxiety and depression related factors were studied by regression analysis. Results: (1) In severe OSAHS group, the patients with EDS showed higher PSQI(6.22±2.57 vs. 4.05±3.72, P<0.01) and oxygen desaturation index(ODI)[(57.70±17.53) events/h vs. (48.23±22.01) events/h, P<0.05] when compared with those without EDS. (2) In both severe and mild-moderate OSAHS groups, the patients with EDS presented higher SAS scores (severe: 33.86±7.60 vs.28.95±4.71, mild-moderate: 37.46±10.68 vs. 33.40±11.07, P<0.05) and SDS scores (severe: 32.81±8.36 vs. 28.90±4.53, mild-moderate:36.98±12.77 vs. 31.70±10.94, P<0.05) when compared with those without EDS. (3) The multiple regression analysis showed that the SAS scores were related to ESS, PSQI, insomnia and nasal obstruction (R(2)=0.356, P<0.05), and the SDS scores were related to ESS, PSQI and insomnia(R(2)=0.344, P<0.05). Conclusions: The anxiety and depression of OSAHS patients are closely related to the severity of EDS and sleep quality. Both severe and mild-moderate OSAHS patients with EDS have worse anxiety and depression scores.

Reliability and Validity of Simplified Chinese STOP-BANG Questionnaire in Diagnosing and Screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the simplified Chinese STOP-BANG Questionnaire (SBQ) as a diagnosing and screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Two hundred and ten patients with suspected OSAHS were recruited in this study. The simplified Chinese SBQ was completed twice before and after polysomnography (PSG) monitoring. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, comparative validity and predictive validity of the SBQ. Fourteen patients were excluded on account of fragmentary data, and valid 196 were divided into four groups: non-OSAHS group (n=28, 14.29%), mild OSAHS group (n=28, 14.29%), moderate OSAHS group (n=31, 15.81%) and severe OSAHS group (n=109, 55.61%). The test-retest coefficient for the first four items was 0.810, 0.679, 0.775, 0.963 respectively and the total score of the STOP questionnaire was 0.854. The analysis of discriminant validity revealed that there were significant differences among four groups in the total score of the SBQ and scores of item 1, 3, 7 and 8, which were also validated between patients with normal blood oxygen saturation and different degrees of hypoxemia. The SBQ evaluation showed low consistency with diagnostic gold standard PSG (κ=0.303, P<0.05). When taking apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5/h, ≥15/h and ≥30/h as cut-offs to evaluate the SBQ predictive value, the areas under ROC curve were 0.77, 0.81 and 0.78, the sensitivity was 90.48%, 93.57% and 93.33%, and corresponding negative predictive values were 40.74%, 66.67% and 85.19%, respectively. It was suggested that the simplified Chinese version of SBQ had good reliability, and could distinguish the severity of OSAHS. Despite its limited diagnostic accuracy, the SBQ can be considered as an ideal tool for screening OSAHS with superior predictive validity.