Abstract
Aim: To see if OSA is a common finding in patients with Metabolic Syndrome.
Background: Metabolic Syndrome has been described as a constellation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The WHO places the incidence at 21% of the population. OSA syndrome occurs in 2-4% of males and females. Both conditions represent a significant burden to the health service in terms of diagnosis, treatment and management. Volunteers agreed to undergo a home cardiopulmonary sleep study and interview with questionnaires including the Epworth score. Studies were manually scored to determine the Apnoea Hypopnoea Index.
Results: 35 volunteers were recruited. This yielded 32 studies (10 female) that were analysed. Mean age: 50yrs (Range 26 – 73), mean BMI: 37.5 (±5.8). Significant OSA (AHI>5) was found in 7 females (80%) and 20 male (88%) subjects, 86% overall.
Conclusion: OSA is prevalent in this group of patients and was not the primary reason for attendance. Epworth Score alone was a poor predictor of sleep breathing disorder in those with mild to moderate AHI. OSA is a risk factor for CVD and so we suggest that there should be routine screening for OSA in this particular patient group.
- © 2012 ERS