Clinical profile of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a centre from South Kerala

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), a common but under-recognized sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) which is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. The aim of this study done in South Kerala was to assess the clinical profile and comorbidities of patients with moderate to severe form of OSAS. Materials and Methods: Patients included in the study were from a speciality sleep clinic and had symptoms of OSAS or risk factors for significant sleep apnea. They underwent a supervised polysomnography (PSG) with a portable equipment at home after history taking, relevant clinical evaluation, and pre-requisite workup. Results: One hundred and forty patients were included in the study and 87.9% (123) of the patients were detected to have moderate or severe OSAS (Apnea Hypopnea Index AHI>15 episodes/hour), 81 % (100) of these patients with significant ( moderate or severe) sleep apnea were males having a mean age of 47.9 years, mean body mass index of 33.6 kg/m2and an average neck circumference of 41.2 cm. 80% of patients with moderate to severe OSAS were between the ages of 31-60 years.61.7% and 41% of patients with significant OSAS had hypertension and diabetes respectively. Body mass index and neck circumference had a direct correlation with the severity of OSAS. Statistical analysis: The data was analysed using SPSS 20.0. The factors and co-morbidities associated with OSAS were analysed using Chi-square tests and Independent Sample t-tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and a linear regression model was made to find out the possible predictors for AHI Scores and a p value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Conclusion: Our study on the clinical profile of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome from a centre in South Kerala shows male predilection, frequent association with obesity and cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea syndr