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. 2017 Oct;6(7):437-445.
doi: 10.1530/EC-17-0129. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis and review of the literature

Nafiye Helvaci  1 , Erdem Karabulut  2 , Ahmet Ugur Demir  3 , Bulent Okan Yildiz  4
Affiliations

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis and review of the literature

Nafiye Helvaci et al. Endocr Connect. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Background and objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported to be associated with the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the relationship between PCOS and OSA.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify studies linking PCOS with the risk of OSA. Studies in which the presence of OSA was confirmed with overnight polysomnography were included. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks.

Results: Eight studies conducted in adults and five studies conducted in adolescents were identified. The pooled OSA prevalence was 0.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.40) in PCOS patients. The pooled prevalence of OSA was higher in adults (0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55) than adolescents (0.08, 95% CI: 0.00-0.30). Risk of OSA was significantly increased in adult patients with PCOS (odds ratio (OR) 9.74, 95% CI: 2.76-34.41). Risk of OSA was not significantly increased in adolescents (OR: 4.54, 95% CI:0.56-36.43).

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a significant association between PCOS and OSA in adult patients. Considering the increased risk for long-term cardiometabolic disorders associated with both PCOS and OSA, it is important to diagnose and treat OSA in patients with PCOS.

Keywords: insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; obesity; obstructive sleep apnea; polycystic ovary syndrome; polysomnography; sleep.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart showing the procedure for identifying the studies included in the meta-analysis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of OSA prevalence in PCOS patients.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Risk of OSA in PCOS patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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