A study on prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS)

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional hospital based study conducted in metabolic syndrome patients to determine the prevalence of OSA in. Patients fulfilling IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome were the study subjects. These patients were screened for OSA by clinical history, relevant physical examinations and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Overnight Limited Polysomnography was performed in patients with high clinical probability of OSA. Statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out. It was found that prevalence of OSA in patients with MS was as high as 37.2%. Sub-group analysis showed that presence of symptoms like snoring, EDS and witnessed apnea were found to be higher in OSA group in comparison with the non OSA group. Association of different parameters like BMI, Neck circumference and waist circumference with OSA were found to be statistically significant among metabolic syndrome patients. This study reinforced the point that all the patients with MS and associated co-morbidities should be screened for undiagnosed OSA in them to stop further progression of the disease and to prevent target organ damage.