Clinical and polysomnographyc differences between obese and non-obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

Objectives. To describe the clinical and polysomnographyc differences between obese and non- obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH) syndrome. Materials and methods. A physical examination, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and a polysomnography were performed to all included patients. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results. 408 patients with OSAH were analyzed, out of these, 119 (47 %) were obese. OSAH was mild in 101 (25 %), moderate in 91 (22 %) and severe in 216 (53 %). There were no age, sex and EES score differences between obese and non-obese patients. Cervical perimeter and sleepiness prevalence according to the ESS were significant higher in obese population. Obese patients had higher comorbidity related to dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and coronary disease. With respect to the polysomnographyc variables, the indexes of respiratory events and the levels of oxygen saturation were worse in obese patients. There were no differences in the other variables. The regression analysis showed association between obesity and OSAH severity. Conclusions. OSAH is a clinical condition not limited to obese population, although this group has a higher comorbidity and OSAH severity.