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. 2014 Oct 10:9:1111-7.
doi: 10.2147/COPD.S67779. eCollection 2014.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome-related symptoms and their relation to airflow limitation in an elderly population receiving home care

Christos F Kleisiaris  1 , Evangelos I Kritsotakis  2 , Zoe Daniil  3 , Nikolaos Tzanakis  4 , Agelos Papaioannou  5 , Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis  3
Affiliations

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome-related symptoms and their relation to airflow limitation in an elderly population receiving home care

Christos F Kleisiaris et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Both airflow limitation and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)-related symptoms are most prevalent in the elderly population. Previous studies revealed significant associations between OSAHS-related symptoms and obstructive airway diseases in the general population. However, other studies showed that the frequency of OSAHS-related symptoms in patients with obstructive airway diseases decreases after the age of 60 and older.

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of OSAHS-related symptoms (snoring, breathing pauses, and excessive daytime sleepiness [EDS]) and their relations to airflow limitation, for people over 65 years old.

Methods: A full screening spirometry program was performed in a total of 490 aging participants (mean age 77.5 years - range 65-98) who were attending 16 home care settings in central Greece. Airflow limitation was assessed according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) spirometric criteria (FEV1/FVC <70%). The Berlin Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to screen individuals for OSAHS-related symptoms. Bivariate associations were described using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Airflow limitation prevalence was 17.1% (male 24.2% and female 9.9%) and was strongly related to male gender and smoking status. The prevalence rates of frequent snoring, breathing pauses, and EDS were 28.1%, 12.9%, and 11.6%, respectively. However, participants with airflow limitation were less likely to report breathing pauses, frequent snoring, EDS, and obesity. Finally, frequent snoring was significantly more common in males than females.

Conclusion: This study revealed decreased frequency of OSAHS-related symptoms in participants with airflow limitation suggesting that OSAHS-related symptoms and airflow limitation are not related in our elderly population.

Keywords: excessive daytime sleepiness; obstructive airway diseases; sleep apnea syndrome; snoring.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparisons between patients with and without airflow limitation with regard to OSAHS-related symptoms and obesity. Notes: An OR >1 indicates greater likelihood for patients with airflow limitation. Bars represent 95% (CI). Abbreviations: OSAHS, obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; CI, confidence interval; EDS, excessive daytime sleepiness; OR, odds ratio.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparisons between male and female patients with regard to OSAHS-related symptoms and obesity. Notes: An OR >1 indicates greater likelihood for males. Bars represent 95% (CI). Abbreviations: OSAHS, obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; CI, confidence interval; EDS, excessive daytime sleepiness; OR, odds ratio.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diferences between the two age groups with regard to OSAHS-related symptoms and obesity. Notes: An OR >1 indicates greater likelihood for people aged >80 years old. Bars represent 95% (CI). Abbreviations: OSAHS, obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; CI, confidence interval; EDS, excessive daytime sleepiness; OR, odds ratio.
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