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. 2022 Jul 14:17:1613-1621.
doi: 10.2147/COPD.S355897. eCollection 2022.

Evaluating the Relationship of Airflow Obstruction in COPD with Severity of OSA Among Patients with Overlap Syndrome

Nancy H Stewart  1 , Mollie Brittan  2 , Maureen McElligott  2 , Michael O Summers  2 , Kaeli Samson  3 , Valerie G Press  4
Affiliations

Evaluating the Relationship of Airflow Obstruction in COPD with Severity of OSA Among Patients with Overlap Syndrome

Nancy H Stewart et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common diseases affecting millions worldwide. These two diseases have a complex relationship that is not well understood. Previous small studies suggest an inverse relationship of disease severity of OSA with COPD airflow obstruction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between severity of airflow obstruction in COPD and severity of OSA via apnea hypopnea index obtained during an in-lab baseline polysomnogram using a large quaternary care center cohort.

Methods: From November 2015 through December 2018, 273 patients with confirmed COPD via spirometry and OSA via in-lab baseline polysomnogram were included.

Conclusion: No associations were noted between severity of airflow obstruction in COPD and disease severity of OSA. Given the heterogeneity of these diseases, further exploration of a relationship within disease subtypes is warranted.

Keywords: airflow obstruction; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; obstructive sleep apnea.

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Conflict of interest statement

Nancy H Stewart reports funding from the CHEST Foundation. Valerie G Press has consulted for Humana, Vizient, and Roundglass. She reports funding from the NIH, AHRQ, the American Medical Association, and the American Lung Association. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Unadjusted model with log AHI as outcome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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