Risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a nationwide longitudinal follow-up study

Abstract

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have suggested a comorbid relationship between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the temporal association between these two distinct diseases has not yet been investigated.

Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 4595 women with PCOS and 4595 (1:1) age-/sex-matched controls were enrolled into the present study between 1998 and 2009, and followed to the end of 2011. Those who developed OSA during the follow-up were identified.

Results: Women with PCOS had a greater incidence of developing OSA (1.71 vs 0.63 1000 person-years, p < 0.001) than those without PCOS. The Cox regression analysis after adjusting for demographic data and medical comorbidities showed that women with PCOS had an elevated likelihood of subsequent OSA (hazard ratio: 2.63, 95% CI 1.57-4.04) during the follow-up compared to the controls.

Discussion: Women with PCOS were associated with an increased risk of developing OSA in later life. Further studies would be required to investigate the underlying pathophysiology between PCOS and OSA, and to clarify whether prompt intervention for PCOS would reduce the risk of OSA.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; Polycystic ovarian syndrome; Women.