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Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) causes serious symptoms and may induce patients' quality of life impairment. The aim of this study was to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) in Greek patients with various severity SAHS before and after CPAP implementation in comparison with conservative therapy and Greek population normative data. In 180 patients (152 males, 28 females) with SAHS (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI 56 +/- 25.4/h), daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and measurements of health status were performed using the short form-36 health survey (SF-36) questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30). One hundred and thirty five patients underwent CPAP treatment and 45 were assigned to a conservative therapy. After 3 months the measurements were repeated in 105 patients under CPAP treatment and in 15 patients from the conservative group. HRQOL in all patients was lower than Greek normative data before any treatment. In patients with CPAP therapy the ESS decreased (p<0.01) and a significant improvement was observed in SF-36 dimensions (p<0.01). The improvement was more obvious in patients with severe SAHS (p<0.05) than in patients with moderate disease severity. In the majority of patients (60.9%), GHQ-30 score was high and it was negatively related to some SF-36 dimensions and positively to ESS. In patients under conservative therapy, no significant changes were observed in any measure. HRQOL in patients with SAHS at the time of diagnosis was low and reached general population levels in patients treated with CPAP. The improvement was greater in those with severe syndrome.

Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with daytime sleepiness and an increased risk for motor vehicle crashes. Previous studies have assessed the prevalence of OSA among professional drivers, but no study so far has focused on railway drivers. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SDB among Greek railway drivers, and correlate it with daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and symptoms., Methods: The following three different questionnaires were anonymously answered by 226 train drivers: a general questionnaire on their demographics and sleep habits; the Greek version of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS); and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form (SF-36). Of the 226 drivers, 50 underwent a sleep study, a physical examination, and an assessment of their respiratory function., Results: Participants were all men, had a mean (+/-SD) age of 46.9+/-3.9 years, were overweight (mean body mass index [BMI], 28.7+/-3.7 kg/m2), and were smokers (59.7%). Snoring was reported by 69.9% of them, and apneas by 11.5%. The mean ESS score was 5.4+/-3.2. SF-36 scores were similar to those of the Greek population. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 11+/-14 events per hour, and the mean pulse oximetric saturation was 93.2+/-2.5%. According to AHI severity, they were divided into the following three groups: group 1, normal breathing function in sleep (n=19; AHI, <5 events per hour); group 2, mild OSA (n=20; AHI, 5.1 to 15 events per hour); group 3, moderate/severe OSA (n=11; AHI, >15 events per hour). The three groups differed in terms of BMI, and neck, waist, and hip circumferences. No difference was detected, though, in ESS and SF-36 scores., Conclusion: The majority of the Greek railway drivers are overweight and smokers. The most common reported symptom in the questionnaires is snoring, without significant daytime impairment, while sleep studies show a potentially higher prevalence of OSA., Trial Registration: Democritus University of Thrace Identifier: 2979/5-2003., Trial Registration: Union of the Greek Railway Drivers Identifier: 536/10-2003.

The article investigates the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) among railway drivers in Greece, and correlates it with daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and symptoms. Data suggests that most of the Greek railway drivers are overweight and smokers. The most frequently reported symptom in the questionnaires is snoring, without significant daytime impairment, while sleep studies reveal a potentially higher prevalence of OSA.