Gender differences in the polysomnographic features of obstructive sleep apnea

We examined the influence of gender on the polysomnographic features of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a retrospective study of 830 patients with OSA diagnosed by overnight polysomnography (PSG). The severity of OSA was determined from the apnea- hypopnea index (AHI) for total sleep time (AHI(TST)), and was classified as mild (5 to 25 events/h), moderate (26 to 50 events/h), and severe (> 50/events/h). Differences in OSA during different stages of sleep were assessed by comparing the AHI during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) (AHI(NREM)) and rapid eye movement (REM) (AHI(REM)) sleep and calculating the "REM difference" (AHI(REM) - AHI(NREM)). Additionally, each overnight polysomnographic study was classified as showing one of three mutually exclusive types of OSA: (1) mild OSA, which occurred predominantly during REM sleep (REM OSA); (2) OSA of any severity, which occurred predominantly in the supine position (S OSA); or (3) OSA without a predominance in a single sleep stage or body position (A OSA). The mean AHI(TST) for men was significantly higher than that for women (31.8 +/- 1.0 versus 20.2 +/- 1.5 events/h, p < 0. 001). The male-to-female ratio was 3.2:1 for all OSA patients, and increased from 2.2:1 for patients with mild OSA to 7.9:1 for those with severe OSA. Women had a lower AHI(NREM) than did men (14.6 +/- 1.6 versus 29.6 +/- 1.1 events/h, p < 0.001), but had a similar AHI(REM) (42.7 +/- 1.6 versus 39.9 +/- 1.2 events/h). Women had a significantly higher REM difference than did men (28.1 +/- 1.5 versus 10.3 +/- 1.1 events/h, p < 0.01). REM OSA occurred in 62% of women and 24% of men with OSA. S OSA occurred almost exclusively in men. We conclude that: (1) OSA is less severe in women because of milder OSA during NREM sleep; (2) women have a greater clustering of respiratory events during REM sleep than do men; (3) REM OSA is disproportionately more common in women than in men; and (4) S OSA is disproportionately more common in men than in women. These findings may reflect differences between the sexes in upper airway function during sleep in patients with OSA.     

Gender differences in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a clinical study of 1166 patients

The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of some sociocultural, clinical, and anthropometric data between men and women in a sample of 1745 patients referred to a Sleep Unit for symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A standardized questionnaire was administered and anthropometric data were measured. Patients underwent a polysomnography (during a night or a nap) or an overnight home cardiorespiratory polygraphy. A total of 1166 patients (male/female ratio 4.9:1) fulfilled criteria of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > or = 10). Women were employed, habitual drivers or workers at risk occupations in a lower percentage than men. Women came to the clinical interview accompanied by their partner less frequently than men. The frequency of snoring and daytime hypersomnolence was similar in both genders, although witnessed apneas were more frequent in males. Fatigue, morning headaches, insomnia, depression and use of sedatives were more frequent in women than in men. Women were older than men, more obese (although with an obesity pattern less centrally distributed), and referred hypertension more frequently. It is concluded that it is likely that women with OSA may be underdiagnosed due to circumstances related to the family lifestyle and sociocultural factors in addition to different OSA clinical expression.     

Gender differences in Saudi patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains under-recognized in women possibly due to differences in clinical presentation, difference in tolerance to symptoms, and rate of usage and referral to sleep services. No reports have addressed OSA in women in the Middle Eastern (Arab) population. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the differences in demographics, clinical presentation, and polysomnographic (PSG) findings between Saudi women and men diagnosed to have (OSA). The study group comprised 191 consecutive Saudi women and 193 consecutive men who were referred to the Sleep Disorders Centre and were found by in-laboratory PSG to have OSA. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by personal interviews. Women were significantly older than men (53.9 and 43.0 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Similarly, their body mass index was significantly higher than men (p < 0.001). Insomnia was more common among women (39.8%) compared to men (25.9%; p = 0.005). Other sleep symptoms including witnessed apnea, and excessive daytime sleepiness did not show any statistical difference between the two groups. Women were more likely than men to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, and asthma. Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was statistically higher in men compared to women; however, most of apnea/hypopnea events in women occurred during rapid eye movement sleep, and the mean duration of hypopnea and apnea was significantly lower in women (p = 0.004). Sleep efficiency was lower in women (71.5% vs. 77.7%) in men (p < 0.001). The desaturation index was higher in men (p = 0.01), but no difference was found in lowest SaO₂ or time with SaO₂ less than 90%. The present study showed important clinical and PSG differences between Saudi women and men with OSA. Clinicians need to be aware of these differences when assessing women for the possibility of OSA as they may be symptomatic at a lower AHI and have significant comorbid conditions that can be adversely affected if their OSA was not timely managed.     

NREM-AHI greater than REM-AHI versus REM-AHI greater than NREM-AHI in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: clinical and polysomnographic features

Purpose  

Previous studies show a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with a higher non-rapid eye movement (NREM) apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) (NREM-AHI) than rapid eye movement (REM) AHI (REM-AHI). However, the clinical significance of this phenomenon in patients with OSA is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether there were significant differences in clinical and polysomnographic features between the NREM-AHI > REM-AHI group and the REM-AHI > NREM-AHI group and to determine whether NREM-AHI > REM-AHI or REM-AHI > NREM-AHI is a specific clinical entity.     

Gender differences in global cardiovascular risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea patients

The morbidity and mortality of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are related principally to its cardiovascular complications. Metabolic syndrome (MBS) is recognized as raising the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we analysied the diagnostic value of MBS to predict the diagnosis of severe OSA. Eight-seven subjects (54 males and 33 females) without any cardiac or pulmonary disease referred for evaluation of OSA, had overnight polysomnography. MBS were diagnosed according to NCEP criteria. According to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), subjects were divided into two groups: severe OSA (AHI>or=30, 26 males, 15 females) and non-severe OSA (AHI<30, 28 males, 18 females). Ages were similar in both OSA groups for both genders. In the severe OSA group, number of patients with MBS was especially higher (in females n=13, 86.6%; in males n=19, 73%) than non-severe OSA (in females 6, 33%, in males 9, 32%). The mean values of the five diagnostic criteria of MBS were significantly higher in severe OSA than non-severe groups in both genders. Analysis of diagnostic value (criteria>or=3) of MBS for predicting the diagnosis of severe OSA in males and females revealed the sensitivity 73% and 86.6%, the specificity 67.8% and 94.4%, positive predictive value 67.9% and 86.7%, negative predictive value 73% and 85.7% respectively. Especially in female patients referred to the sleep clinics, evaluation of MBS criteria may play an important role in predicting severe OSA with high sensitivity and negative predictivity. Furthermore, the presence of MBS in OSA patients might increase cardiovascular complications.     

老年阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者临床特点分析

目的 探讨老年阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者的临床特点、易患因素及睡眠结构特点. 方法选择2006年至2009年在我院睡眠监测中心经多导睡眠监测(PSG)确诊的老年OSAHS患者163例,依呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)分为轻、中、重度组,按照体质指数(BMI)分为正常体质量组和肥胖组,对老年OSAHS患者的临床特点、睡眠监测指标及睡眠结构进行分析,以同期就诊的190例非老年OSAHS患者为对照组. 结果 (1)OSAHS患者中肥胖人群比例为79.1%,其中非老年组肥胖患者比例为83.6%,老年组为70.3%,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(2)老年组的中重度患者比例低于非老年组,两组间AHI、最低血氧饱和度(LSaO2)、血氧饱和度(SaO2)＜90%的累积时间占总睡眠时间的百分比(%TRTSaO2＜90%)比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(3)老年患者睡眠结构紊乱程度较非老年组严重,非快动眼睡眠(NREM)Ⅲ+Ⅳ期比例明显减少,呼吸性醒觉反应增加.(4)老年患者临床症状不典型,个体差异明显,并存症多.结论 老年OSAHS患者的病情明显轻于非老年患者,但睡眠结构紊乱明显重于非老年患者.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical and pdysomnographic characteristics and related factors of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in elderly patients. Methods The 163 elderly patients with OSAHS confirmed by polysomnography were classified into obesity group and non-obesity group according to body mass index (BMI). All cases were grouped into mild,moderate and severe groups according to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and night SaO2. The 190non-elderly OSAHS patients were as control group at the same time. The clinical and polysomnographic characteristics were recorded and analyzed. Results (1)The proportion of obesity in OSAHS patients was 79. 1%, there was significant difference between the elderly-obesity group and non-elderly-obesity group (70.3% vs. 83.6%, P＜0.05). (2)The proportions of moderate and severe OSAHS patients were lower in elderly group than in non-elderly group. There were significant differences in AHI, the lowest arterial O2 saturation (LSaO2) and % TRT SaO2 ＜90% between the two groups (all P＜0.05). (3)The sleep architecture disturbance was significantly severer in elderly group than in non-elderly group. The percentages of non-rapid eye movementsleep (NREM sleep)stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ sleep were significantly decreased, and the arousal was significantly increased. (4) The syndrome of OSAHS in elderly group was untypical and the clinical complication was increased.Conclusions The elderly OSAHS patients are less severe than non-elderly group, but the elderly patients have worse sleep architecture disturbance and more complications such as hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.     

Gender and ethnic differences in prevalence of self-reported insomnia among patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Background  

Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the two most common sleep disorders. Studies have shown that complaints of insomnia are prevalent among sleep clinic patients evaluated for OSA. Less is known about the gender and ethnic variations in this association.     

Gender differences in the sleep variables contributing to excessive daytime sleepiness among patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep and Breathing - Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a main symptom in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, patients with OSA&nbsp;have significant variability in their...     

Clinical,polysomnographic, and cephalometric features of obstructive sleep apnea with AHI over 100

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is induced by a sleep-related collapse of the upper airway in association with multiple factors. The severity of OSA is determined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Although obesity and sex differences are common factors in OSA, the level of the AHI varies to the same degree according to the age and sex and degree of obesity. However, only a few studies have evaluated AHI over 100/h, those reports did not describe why they set the AHI cutoff at 100/h. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the pathogenesis of “very” severe OSA, defined as having an AHI >?100/h.

Methods

AHI?>?100/h was set as very severe OSA (VS-OSA) in this study. As controls, moderate to severe OSA patients, matched with VS-OSA for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled. The findings of polysomnography and cephalography between VS-OSA and controls were compared.

Results

Eleven patients in the VS-OSA group (mean AHI 110.2/h) and 22 patients in the control group (mean AHI 41.6/h) were compared (mean age 50.2 vs 50.6, male:female 5:6 vs 10:12, mean BMI 35.4 kg/m² vs 34.5 kg/m²). There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics. In the polysomnographic parameters, the VS-OSA group showed apnea predominance, the mean percutaneous oxygen saturation (SO₂) was significantly lower in all sleep stages, and the minimum SO₂ was significantly lower (49.0% vs 77.5%, p?=?0.002). A similar apnea duration and rather shorter hypopnea duration were shown. The time of apnea-to-arousal was significantly earlier (??0.1 s vs 0.9 s, p?=?0.003). Lung-to-finger circulation time showed no differences. The cephalometric findings showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

VS-OSA patients were more likely to have apnea predominance, desaturation when sleeping despite a similar apnea duration, and rather shorter hypopnea duration, and arousals were evoked significantly earlier.

     

Comparison of clinical features and polysomnographic findings between men and women with sleep apnea

Background

There is a scarcity of reports comparing gender differences in polysomnographic findings among Asian patients with sleep apnea (SA). In this study, we elucidated gender differences in the clinical features and polysomnographic findings of SA patients in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a case-matched control study to compare the gender differences. A total of 4,714 patients (4,127 men; 587 women) were matched for age, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and body mass index (BMI). The criteria used for sex matching were (I) age ±4 years, (II) AHI ± 4 h of sleep, and (III) BMI ±2 kg/m². This facilitated the comparison of polysomnography sleep variables in 296 men and 296 women with SA.

Results

Compared with their male counterparts, female SA patients had a significantly higher rapid eye movement AHI [men: 27.7 (IQR, 14.3-45.2); women: 43.3 (IQR, 25.5-56.6); P<0.001], lower supine AHI [men: 29.7 (IQR, 16.8-49.5); women: 25.0 (IQR, 14.7-39.3); P=0.004], longer total sleep time (TST), and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage 3 (N3), %TST [TST in men: 356.3 (IQR, 319.5-392.3); women: 372.0 (IQR, 327.8-404.5); P=0.007; N3, %TST in men: 8.8 (IQR, 3.0-14.6); women: 14.4 (IQR, 8.3-20.4); P<0.001], and better sleep efficiency [men: 80.9 (IQR, 71.0-88.0); women: 83.2 (IQR, 74.5-90.0); P=0.011].

Conclusions

This study revealed that women with SA had a significantly longer TST and N3, %TST, which represents deep sleep. Future prospective studies must be conducted together with polysomnography tests including electromyography of pharyngeal muscle expansion and electroencephalography.     

A 2-week,polysomnographic, safety study of sodium oxybate in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Purpose  

Sodium oxybate (SXB) is approved for cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects ∼9–50% of narcoleptics. Effects of 2-week SXB administration on apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation (SaO₂), and sleep architecture were investigated in OSAS patients.     

Preliminary study on clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep and Breathing - The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, the clinical characteristics, and the possible predictors of Chinese patients with positional obstructive sleep...     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停对肥胖和非肥胖的急性冠脉综合征患者临床特点的影响

目的：本研究分别在肥胖和非肥胖人群中分析比较阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停(OSA)对急性冠脉综合征（ACS）患者临床特点的影响。 方法：2015年12月至2017年12月在北京安贞医院前瞻性连续纳入ACS患者,对符合入排标准的患者行便携式睡眠呼吸监测检查。在肥胖人群(BMI≥28 kg/m2)中根据睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数（apnea-hypopnea index,AHI）将患者分为OSA组（AHI≥15）和非OSA组（AHI＜15）,比较两组患者的一般临床特征、实验室检查、睡眠呼吸监测等结果。在非肥胖人群(BMI＜28 kg/m2）中根据AHI将患者分为OSA组（AHI≥15）和非OSA组（AHI＜15）,比较两组的患者一般临床特征、实验室检查、睡眠呼吸监测等结果。 结果：研究共纳入837例ACS患者：肥胖患者292例,其中OSA患者199例（68%）;非肥胖患者545例,其中OSA患者233例（43%）。在非肥胖人群中,OSA组患者年龄大于非OSA组(59.74±9.85 vs. 57.66±9.7, p=0.014) , OSA组的中性粒细胞（6.06±2.78 vs. 5.52±2.71, p=0.023）、hs-CRP（8.54±10.57vs. 5.84±9.27, p=0.002）、血糖(7.05±2.66 vs. 6.54±2.29, p=0.021)、多支病变比例高于非OSA组,左心射血分数低于非OSA组（58.12±8.63vs.59.71±8.09,p=0.042）。肥胖人群中以上情况未见统计学差异。 结论：在非肥胖的ACS患者中,OSA组的炎症严重程度、血糖水平、多支病变比例高于非OSA组,左心射血分数低于非OSA组。在肥胖的ACS患者中,两组的炎症反应、血糖水平、血管病变情况等未见统计学差异。 关键词：急性冠脉综合征;阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停;肥胖     

Gender differences in sleep apnea: the role of neck circumference

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine whether differences in sleep apnea severity between men and women referred to a sleep clinic are related to the differences in neck circumference (NC). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University hospital sleep disorders clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3,942 patients (2,753 men and 1,189 women) referred to the sleep clinic. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All patients underwent nocturnal polysomnography. NC was used as a surrogate measure of upper airway obesity. We found that sleep apnea, defined an the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) > 10/h, was significantly more frequent (60% vs 32%, chi(2) < 0.0001) and severe (mean +/- SE, 25 +/- 26/h vs 12 +/- 19/h, p < 0.0001) in men than in women. Men had significantly larger NC than women, but the difference became much less pronounced when we normalized NC to body height (0.24 +/- 0.02 vs 0.23 +/- 0.03, p < 0.0001). Men had significantly higher AHI than women even after controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), and neck/height ratio (NHR); analysis of covariance showed that mean AHI was 24.4 +/- 0.4 in men vs 14.8 +/- 0.7 in women (p < 0.0001). This difference persisted even when we matched men and women for NHR and BMI. Finally, multiple regression analysis revealed the following: (1) NHR was the most significant predictor of AHI, accounting for 19% of the variability; and (2) the slope of AHI vs NHR was significantly higher in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude the following: (1) the frequency and severity of sleep apnea in the sleep clinic population is greater in men than women, and (2) factors other than NC, age, and BMI must contribute to these gender differences.     

Gender difference in sleep profile of severely obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OBJECTIVES: Few papers addressed the gender difference in the polisomnographic features of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this paper we investigated the sleep architecture and the nocturnal respiratory pattern in a group of severely obese women with OSA compared with a group of men with OSA matched by age and weight. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary-care setting. SUBJECTS, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric parameters, respiratory function data and a full night polisomnography were evaluated in a group of 45 obese subjects, 20 females and 25 males, with a previous diagnosis of OSA. RESULTS: The group of the severely obese women with OSA presented greater disturbances of the sleep architecture than the group of the men does (wake time after sleep onset 92.6+/-52.4 vs 58.2+/-45.2 min, P<0.05; total wake time 104.8+/-51.4 vs 67.8+/-47.4, P<0.05; number of awakenings 15.5+/-3.6 vs 10.2+/-6.215, P<0.001; OSA that occurred almost exclusively during REM sleep (REM OSA) 35% vs 4%, P<0.05) and a reduced sleep efficiency (69.6+/-15.9 vs 80.3+/-14.0%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Severely obese women with OSA, even with milder OSA, present greater disturbances of the sleep architecture with a more severe sleep disruption and more frequently REM OSA in comparison with men matched by age and weight.     

Gender and age influence the effects of slow-wave sleep on respiration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is influenced by sleep architecture with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep having the most adverse influence, especially in women. There is little data defining the influence of slow-wave sleep (SWS) on OSA. We wished to study the influence of SWS on OSA and identify differences attributable to gender and/or age, if any.

Methods

Retrospective study of polysomnography (PSG) records of adult patients referred for diagnostic PSG. Records were excluded if they underwent split night or positive airway pressure titration studies, had <180 min of total sleep time (TST) and/or <40% sleep efficiency, or had SWS <5 min and/or <1% of TST. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) recorded during SWS was compared with that measured during other non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and during REM sleep. The REM–SWS difference in AHI was measured, and compared between genders.

Results

Records from 239 patients were included. The mean AHI in all subjects was 17.7?±?22.6. The SWS AHI was 6.8?±?18.9, compared to the REM AHI of 24.9?±?25.8, and NREM AHI of 15.8?±?22.8. Females had significantly higher SWS by percentage, and lower NREM AHI (P?<?0.0001) and SWS AHI (P?=?0.03). Among patients with OSA (AHI ≥5), the difference between REM AHI and SWS AHI was greater in women than in men (34.2?±?27.4 vs. 21.6?±?26.0, P?=?0.006).

Conclusions

The upper airway appears to be less susceptible to OSA during SWS than during REM and other NREM sleep. This may be related to phase-specific influences on both dynamic upper airway control as well as loop gain. Gender and age appear to modify this effect.