Contribution of central sleep apnea to severe sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

Purpose Central sleep apnea (CSA) is usually distinguished from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In fact, CSA is often a component of severe sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), rather than occurring alone. We investigated the clinical characteristics and polysomnography (PSG) parameters of CSA components in patients with severe SAHS. Methods The clinical characteristics and PSG parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Results Pure or dominant CSA was rare (5% of all patients). Of all patients with CSA, 72% also exhibited other apnea subtypes that contributed to severe SAHS. Among patients with severe SAHS, those with CSA were more likely than others to be older; thinner; exhibit higher prevalences of comorbid coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure; a higher apnea/hypopnea index (AHI); mixed apnea index (MAI); an elevated oxygen desaturation index (ODI); and more nighttime oxygen saturation levels < 90%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, comorbid arrhythmia or heart failure, and an elevated ODI were independently associated with CSA. Conclusion Patients who complain of snoring or apnea may be better evaluated by comprehensive PSG prior to treatment if they are old, show greater hypoxia, or suffer from arrhythmia and/or heart failure, because such patients are more likely than others to exhibit CSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects the psychological and behavioural development of children–a case–control study

“…This results in modifications of sleep structure. Furthermore, OSA may also affect the central nervous system of the child, which ultimately leads to abnormal psychological and behavioural development (Urbano et al, 2021;Zhang et al, 2019). In this study, we found that OSA is more likely to occur in male children, which is consistent with the findings of Kuehni et al (2008).…”