The prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To address a gap in the literature on the prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia, considering the region's unique cultural and dietary practices.

Methods: This retrospective study at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, analyzed data from morbidly obese patients referred from the bariatric surgery unit to the sleep disorders clinic. Using the Sleep Disorders Center database (September 2015 to March 2019), it examined demographic and clinical variables, with in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) employed to diagnose and assess OSA severity.

Results: The study assessed 265 morbidly obese patients for OSA using PSG before bariatric surgery. Of these, 153 (57.7%) were diagnosed with OSA, with the mean apnea hypopnea index for patients with OSA being 67.8±19.6 events/hr. In terms of predictors, our study identified age, body mass index, neck circumference, male gender, smoking, snoring, ankle swelling, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as significant factors associated with OSA. Additionally, our study found that waist measurements, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit were significant predictors.

Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of OSA in bariatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia and delineates several demographic and clinical factors associated with the condition. These findings highlight the importance of screening for OSA in this population to optimize patient outcomes and minimize postoperative complications.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; bariatric surgery; obesity; obstructive sleep apnea; screening.