Demographic, anthropometric, and metabolic characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea patients from Romania before the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is one of the major pathologies of modern life, with multiple etiologies intertwining: the increase in life expectancy, facial and dental changes, metabolic syndrome, and others. The current diagnosis is based on sleep studies, flexible endoscopy, imaging studies and a complete differential diagnosis from other possible pathologies. We present a retrospective study of 80 cases with OSA managed in 2019 prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed various demographic, anthropometric and metabolic data recorded in our study group. Some of the results, such as high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, were consistent with worldwide literature. However, regarding the anthropometric data, we underline a general decrease in height in the Romanian population. In addition, demographic data have changed in the last decade due to the work immigration in the European Union. This data will be used in a future analysis for comparison with variables recorded from cases with OSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current cases with OSA are not a priority for healthcare systems, and patients avoid referral to a specialist as much as possible.

Keywords: anthropometric characteristics; demography; metabolic characteristics; obstructive sleep apnea.

Figure 1

Pearson correlation of triglyceride levels (mg/dl) and AHI in the low severity OSA Subgroup 1. OSA, obstructive sleep apnea; AHI, apnea-hypopnea frequency per hour index.

Figure 2

Pearson correlation of abdominal circumference (cm) and AHI in the severe OSA Subgroup 3. OSA, obstructive sleep apnea; AHI, apnea-hypopnea frequency per hour index.

Figure 3

Pearson correlation between RDI and AHI in severe OSA Subgroup 3. OSA, obstructive sleep apnea; AHI, apnea-hypopnea frequency per hour index; RDI, respiratory disturbance index.