Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Acute Stroke

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an eminently modifiable and emerging risk factor for acute stroke. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center to estimate the proportion of OSA in patients presenting with acute stroke.Materials and Methods: Consecutive stable patients with acute stroke were included. Stroke severity, subtype, and anatomical location were classified using standardized scales. Included subjects were screened for OSA with a detailed history (intrusive snoring, witnessed apneas, and excessive daytime sleepiness), quantification of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), clinical examination, and level-3 polysomnography. OSA severity was quantified based on the Apnea–Hypopnea Index.Results: 104 clinically stable stroke patients (67 males and 37 females) were included in the study; mean age was 60.9±13.2 years. Most patients (92 [88.5%]) had ischemic stroke, 9 (8.7%) had hemorrhagic stroke, and 3 (2.9%) had a transient ischemic attack. Intrusive snoring was reported by 37 (35.6%) patients, excessive daytime sleepiness by 32 (30.8%) and witnessed apneas by 19 (18.3%) patients. On level-3 polysomnography, 74 (71.2%) patients were diagnosed to have OSA. Mild OSA was diagnosed in 34 patients, while moderate and severe OSA were diagnosed in 20 patients each.Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated a strong causal relationship between OSA and stroke, thus reinforcing the need to screen all patients with stroke for OSA. Timely institution of nocturnal noninvasive ventilation in stroke patients with OSA would help to reduce the effects of OSA on stroke morbidity and recurrence.