Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Patients: a UK Population Analysis

Abstract

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly common disorder associated with increased cardiovascular disease, mortality, reduced productivity, and an increased risk of road traffic accidents. A significant proportion of patients with OSA in the UK are undiagnosed. This study aims to identify risk factors for OSA in an obese cohort. Method A population-based study was conducted of obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). A logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for developing OSA according to other clinicopathological characteristics. Multivariate analysis was conducted of individual factors that affect the propensity to develop OSA. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050. Results From 276,600 obese patients identified during a data extraction of the CPRD in July 2017, the prevalence of OSA was 5.4%. The following risk factors were found to be independently associated with increased likelihood of OSA: male sex (OR = 3.273; p < 0.001), BMI class II (OR = 1.640; p < 0.001), BMI class III (OR = 3.768; p < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.179; p < 0.001), COPD (OR = 1.722; p < 0.001), GERD (OR = 1.557; p < 0.001), hypothyroidism (OR = 1.311; p < 0.001), acromegaly (OR = 3.543; p < 0.001), and benzodiazepine use (OR = 1.492; p < 0.001). Bariatric surgery was associated with reduced risk of OSA amongst this obese population (OR = 0.260; p < 0.001). Conclusions In obese patients, there are numerous comorbidities that are associated with increased likelihood of OSA. These factors can help prompt clinicians to identify undiagnosed OSA. Bariatric surgery appears to be protective against developing OSA.

The effect of vitamin D on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It is reported that OSA is more common medical condition in obese people because of narrowing of the upper respiratory muscles occurs due to the accumulation of adipose tissue (Erridge et al, 2021). Li et al (2020) in their review study that examined the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and OSA disorder concluded that this disorder may be associated with low serum levels of this vitamin.…”

“…Two common sleep-related disorders include Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) (Lee et al, 2019). OSA is a more common medical condition in obese people (Erridge et al, 2021) that varies in severity depending on the number of apnea and hypopnea interruptions per hour and is measured by overnight Polysomnogram (PSG). This condition can have a significant impact on a person's daily lifestyle, as it can cause drowsiness during the day, headaches, difficulty concentrating, or hyperactivity in children.…”

Feasibility of THRIVE oxygenation and intra-operative lung-protective ventilation in morbidly obese patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures

“…There is also a higher incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese patients. [ 2 ] All these factors contribute to a decreased respiratory reserve and an increased risk of peri-operative respiratory events in morbidly obese patients. The presence of difficult airways also mandates the practice of rapid sequence induction in these population groups.…”

Antiallergic Treatment of Bariatric Patients: Potentially Hampered Solubility/Dissolution and Bioavailability of Loratadine, but Not Desloratadine, Post-Bariatric Surgery

“…Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally; with lifestyle modifications not proving to be long-lasting and as pharmacological options are limited by high cost, adverse effects, modest efficacy, and hesitancy by patients and clinicians, surgery is currently the main, widely used course of treatment for patients with severe obesity . Bariatric surgery allows patients to lose weight quickly, and, in many cases, resolve, or at least improve, obesity-related comorbidities. − It is also associated with increased long-term survival. , Yet, several complications may arise that require general practitioners’ awareness and expertise. , Among them, malabsorption of nutrients is routinely followed and treated accordingly, − while altered absorption/pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs is oftentimes overlooked …”