Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) is characterized by urgency to urinate, which may be accompanied by increased frequency, nocturia and incontinence. Although nocturia is a common symptom in the setting of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA), the association between OAB and OSA is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of OAB in female patients diagnosed from OSA.
METHODS. Seventy-two consecutive female patients referred for polysomnography (PSG) for suspected OSA were included. All patients fulfilled the spanish validated version of the “Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnarie” (B-SAQ). The B-SAQ consists of 2 subscales: “symptoms”, consisting of 4 items (urgency, frequency, nocturia and incontinence) and “discomfort” in which it is established the degree of distress associated with symptoms (from 0 to 3).
RESULTS. The scores of “Symptoms” and “Discomfort” were significantly higher in patients who were diagnosed OSA.
Patients with OSA scored significantly higher for symptoms of urgency, nocturia and incontinence and 4 items of “Discomfort”. The AHI was significantly correlated with the score of “Symptoms” (r = 0.297, p= 0.013) and that of “Discomfort” (r= 0.258, p= 0.03). There was no significant correlation between the BMI and the B-SAQ.
CONCLUSIONS. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with overactive bladder syndrome in women. The Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnarie is a valid instrument to assess overactive bladder in patients with OSA.
- © 2012 ERS
