Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Gut microbiota and derived metabolites mediate obstructive sleep apnea induced atherosclerosis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia (IHC), affects predominantly obese individuals, and increases atherosclerosis risk. Since we and others have implicated gut microbiota and metabolites in atherogenesis, we dissected their contributions to OSA-induced atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesions were compared between conventionally-reared specific pathogen free (SPF) and germ-free (GF) Apoe-/- mice following a high fat high cholesterol diet (HFHC), with and without IHC conditions. The fecal microbiota and metabolome were profiled using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and untargeted tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) respectively. Phenotypic data showed that HFHC significantly increased atherosclerosis as compared to regular chow (RC) in both aorta and pulmonary artery (PA) of SPF mice. IHC exacerbated lesions in addition to HFHC. Differential abundance analysis of gut microbiota identified an enrichment of Akkermansiaceae and a depletion of Muribaculaceae (formerly S24-7) family members in the HFHC-IHC group. LC-MS/MS showed a dysregulation of bile acid profiles with taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, and 12-ketodeoxycholic acid enriched in the HFHC-IHC group, long-chain N-acyl amides, and phosphatidylcholines. Interestingly, GF Apoe-/- mice markedly reduced atherosclerotic formation relative to SPF Apoe-/- mice in the aorta under HFHC/IHC conditions. In contrast, microbial colonization did not show a significant impact on the atherosclerotic progression in PA. In summary, this research demonstrated that (1) IHC acts cooperatively with HFHC to induce atherosclerosis; (2) gut microbiota modulate atherogenesis, induced by HFHC/IHC, in the aorta not in PA; (3) different analytical methods suggest that a specific imbalance between Akkermansiaceae and Muribaculaceae bacterial families mediate OSA-induced atherosclerosis; and (4) derived bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid, regulate atherosclerosis in OSA. The knowledge obtained provides novel insights into the potential therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat OSA-induced atherosclerosis.

Sleep breathing impairment index predicts incident atrial fibrillation in obstructive sleep apnea: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Respiratory-event-associated hypoxia is crucial in cardiovascular comorbidities of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Intermittent hypoxia is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The sleep breathing impairment index (SBII) is a novel metric that quantifies respiratory events and hypoxia, showing exceptional efficacy in predicting cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association between SBII and AF in OSA patients and compare the predictive performance of various OSA severity indices in predicting incident AF.

METHODS

This study included 1660 OSA patients without pre-existing AF from the Sleep Heart Health Study. Baseline SBII values were stratified into quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline analysis were conducted to explore the association between SBII and incident AF. Harrell's concordance statistic (C-statistic) was performed to compare the predictive value of SBII against other OSA severity indices.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, 190 (11.5 %) OSA patients developed AF. SBII and hypoxic burden (HB) were associated with an increased risk of incident AF, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.87 (95 %CI: 1.14, 3.11; P = 0.015) and 2.01 (95 %CI: 1.20, 3.41; P = 0.009) for the third and fourth quartiles of SBII, respectively, and 1.70 (95 %CI: 1.04, 2.81; P = 0.038) for the fourth quartile of HB. Moreover, SBII had the largest C-statistic (0.75, 95 % CI: 0.709, 0.782) compared with HB, AHI, and ODI.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that elevated SBII and HB levels increased the risk of incident AF in OSA patients, with SBII outperforming other OSA severity indices in predicting AF.

The combination of physiology and machine learning for prediction of CPAP pressure and residual AHI in OSA

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea; however, some people have residual respiratory events or require significantly higher CPAP pressure while on therapy. Our objective was to develop predictive models for CPAP outcomes and assess whether the inclusion of physiological traits enhances prediction.

METHODS

We constructed predictive models from baseline information for subsequent residual apnea-hypopnea index and optimal CPAP pressure. We compared models utilizing clinical variables with those incorporating both clinical and physiological factors. Furthermore, we assessed the performance of regression vs machine learning. All performances, including root mean square error, R-squared, accuracy, and area under the curve, were evaluated using a 5-fold cross validation with 10 repeats.

RESULTS

For predicting residual apnea-hypopnea index, random forest models outperformed regression models, and models that incorporated both clinical and physiological variables also outperformed models using only clinical variables across all performance metrics. Random forest using both clinical features and physiological traits achieved the best performance. In both regression and random forest models, central apnea index is found to be the most important feature in predicting residual apnea-hypopnea index. For predicting CPAP pressure, there was no additional predictive value of physiological traits or random forest modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that the combined use of clinical and physiological variables yields the most robust predictive models for residual apnea-hypopnea index, with random forest models performing best. These findings support the notion that prediction of obstructive sleep apnea therapy outcomes may be improved by more flexible models using machine learning, potentially in combination with physiology-based models.

CITATION

Lo J-E, Schmickl CN, Vaida F, et al. The combination of physiology and machine learning for prediction of CPAP pressure and residual AHI in OSA. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(5):775-782.

Circadian Biology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Associated Cardiovascular Disease

A dysregulated circadian system is independently associated with both Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). OSA and CVD coexistence is often seen in patients with prolonged untreated OSA. However, the role of circadian dysregulation in their relationship is unclear. Half of the human genes, associated biological pathways, and physiological functions exhibit circadian rhythms, including blood pressure and heart rate regulation. Mechanisms related to circadian dysregulation and heart function are potentially involved in the coexistence of OSA and CVD. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of circadian dysregulation in OSA and associated CVD. We also discuss feasible animal models and new avenues for future research to understand their relationship. Oxygen-sensing pathways, inflammation, dysregulation of cardiovascular processes, oxidative stress, metabolic regulation, hormone signaling, and epigenetics are potential clock-regulated mechanisms connecting OSA and CVD.

Effect of multi-level upper airway surgery on obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Obesity is a major risk factor in Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a prevalent disease that leads to significant morbidity. Multi-level Sleep Surgery (MLS) is a method of treatment for patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. Obesity has previously been identified as a risk factor that may decrease the success rate of MLS. The purpose of our study is to assess the success rates of MLS in obese patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study in 109 adults that underwent MLS in our institution. All the participants completed pre-operative and post-operative level 1 polysomnography. They were divided into four groups as per their body mass index (BMI): Normal (BMI < 25), overweight (25-30), obese (30-35), morbid obese (> 35) and the variables were compared. We measured the surgical success as defined by Sher Criteria (AHI drop > 50% from preoperative baseline and AHI < 20) and cure rates (AHI < 5).

RESULTS

The average BMI was 30.9 pre-op and 30.4 post-op. The mean AHI was 29.8 pre-op and decreased to 10.1 (p < 0.001) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale from 12.9 to 4.8 (p < 0.001). There were 13, 31, 43, and 22 patients in normal, overweight, obese and morbidly obese groups, respectively. The surgical success rate as defined by Sher's criteria was 84%, 84%, 72%, and 77% in the respective groups, with no statistical difference (p = 0.662). Moreover, the cure rate was 77%, 45%, 44%, and 45%, with no statistical difference (p = 0.192). The AHI reduction was 9.93, 19.73, 21.1 and 22.8 in the respective groups. A linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference in assessing the surgical success and cure rates as BMI increases.

CONCLUSION

Data regarding MLS success rates on obese patients is scarce. The current study demonstrates that MLS can offer positive outcomes for this population. However, further studies are warranted to investigate this relationship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Association between atherogenic index of plasma level and cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: The sleep heart health study

BACKGROUND

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been demonstrated as a predictor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in various populations. However, there are quite limited studies on the association between AIP and incident CVD among adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Sleep Heart Health Study, including 2578 participants with OSA and without pre-existing CVD. AIP was calculated as lg (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol). Baseline AIP was stratified into quartiles (Q1-Q4). Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to examine the relationship between AIP and CVD.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 11.67 years, 580 (22.50 %) OSA patients developed CVD, including 184 (7.10 %) with myocardial infarction (MI), and 400 (15.50 %) with coronary artery disease (CHD [including MI]), and 127 (4.90 %) with stroke. The multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses demonstrated a significant association between AIP and incidence of CVD, CHD, and MI, but not stroke. Compared with Q1 group, the fully adjusted odds ratios from Q2 group to Q4 group were: 1.33 (0.98, 1.80), 1.41 (1.03, 1.92), and 1.54 (1.12, 2.14) for CVD; 1.71 (1.04, 2.86), 1.92 (1.17, 3.21), and 2.01 (1.19, 3.45) for MI; 1.48 (1.04, 2.11), 1.68 (1.18, 2.40), and 1.70 (1.18, 2.47) for CHD.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that higher AIP level is associated with incident CVD, except stroke, independent of OSA severity and hypoxia among OSA patients. These findings suggest that monitoring AIP can facilitate the early identification of OSA patients at high risk of CVD.

The association of odds ratio product with respiratory and arousal measures in post-stroke patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects up to 70 % of post-stroke patients, complicating recovery and rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Odds Ratio Product (ORP), a continuous EEG-derived metric of sleep depth, in predicting conventional respiratory and arousal measures in stroke patients. We hypothesized that ORP metrics will predict conventional measures in patients with a history of stroke or Transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 113 stroke/TIA individuals who underwent in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG). ORP metrics, including ORPnrem, ORPrem, ORP9, and Wake Intrusion Indices (WIIs), were analyzed using multivariate linear regression models. Models were stratified by OSA status. Standardized coefficients were used to assess associations with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and arousal indices.

RESULTS

ORP metrics demonstrated statistically significant associations with conventional respiratory and arousal measures, with varying predictive strength across models. Specifically, ORPnrem and WIIs exhibited strong predictive effects across all models. ORP9 significantly predicted respiratory and arousal measures in the overall sample and the OSA subgroup, but its predictive value diminished in the non-OSA subgroup. ORPrem was statistically significantly associated with respiratory and arousal measures; however, its associations with arousal measures were weaker in participants with OSA compared to those without OSA.

CONCLUSION

ORP metrics have the potential to refine OSA diagnoses and improve therapeutic strategies in post-stroke/TIA populations. Their integration into sleep assessments could facilitate early intervention and potentially optimize stroke recovery outcomes, addressing gaps in current evaluation methods.

Multidiagnostic chest-worn patch to detect obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmias

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the performance of the SANSA device to simultaneously assess obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmias.

METHODS

Participants suspected or known to have obstructive sleep apnea underwent polysomnography while wearing SANSA. SANSA's algorithm was trained using 86 records and tested on 67 to evaluate training bias. SANSA performance was evaluated against ground truth polysomnography scored by the consensus of 3 technologists. Polysomnography scoring from individual testing sites was also evaluated against consensus. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using standard apnea-hypopnea index cutoffs. Apnea-hypopnea index and total sleep time agreement was analyzed using correlation and Bland-Altman plots. Electrocardiogram was reviewed for presence of significant arrhythmias (frequent premature atrial/ventricular complexes and atrial fibrillation).

RESULTS

SANSA's sensitivity and specificity to detect obstructive sleep apnea ranged from 91-97% and 78-97%, respectively, across all severity levels. SANSA total sleep time correlation with consensus polysomnography total sleep time was 0.83 with a mean difference of 3.8 minutes (limits of agreement: -91.1 to 98.7). Significant arrhythmias were detected in 32% of participants. These participants had a greater apnea-hypopnea index (27.5 vs 15.8 events/h, P = .003) and spent nearly twice as long at reduced oxygenation levels (47.5 vs 20.5 minutes under 88% oxygen saturation, P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

SANSA is a promising tool for comprehensive obstructive sleep apnea evaluation, offering the unique advantage of concurrent arrhythmia detection. This dual functionality may improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis and management of both conditions.

CITATION

Goldstein C, Ghanbari H, Sharma S, et al. Multidiagnostic chest-worn patch to detect obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmias. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(5):855-866.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and risk of sleep apnea: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

α1-Antitrypsin deficiency is a disease characterized by increased neutrophil elastase activity leading to tissue getting less elastic and robust. It is known that if tissue in the pharynx becomes less elastic and robust, it could contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. This paper seeks to investigate whether patients with α1-antitrypsin deficiency have an increased risk of sleep apnea.

METHODS

We tested this hypothesis by doing a nationwide cohort study of 2702 individuals diagnosed with α1-antitrypsin deficiency compared with 26,750 individuals without α1-antitrypsin deficiency matched on sex, age, and municipality. All individuals were followed from birth and were censored at the time of outcome, emigration, death, or end of follow-up 31st of December 2018, whichever came first.

RESULTS

Individuals with α1-antitrypsin deficiency had a higher risk of sleep apnea with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.81 (95% CI 1.36-2.40) compared to controls without α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Similarly, the risk of obstructive sleep apnea was nominally higher in individuals with α1-antitrypsin deficiency compared to controls without the disease (1.47, 95% CI 0.95-2.28). In stratified analysis, the risk of sleep apnea was higher in individuals without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.33, 95% CI 1.54-3.51) (P for interaction < 0.05). The increased risk of SA was unaffected when the analysis was stratified by ischemic heart disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with α1-antitrypsin deficiency have a higher risk of sleep apnea in the Danish population.

Cardiovascular effects after five nights without continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) effectively prevents sleep apnea and reduces blood pressure, many patients do not use CPAP every night. This trial investigates cardiovascular effects after sleeping five nights without CPAP.

METHODS

We randomized 100 patients (67 men and 33 women with a mean age 64 ± 9 years) using CPAP treatment for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea to either withdraw treatment for five nights ( n  = 50) or to continue with CPAP ( n  = 50). The primary outcomes were arterial stiffness and 24 h blood pressure.

RESULTS

The 24 h SBP increased by a mean of 2.8 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-5.4 mmHg] ( P  = 0.035) and DBP increased by a mean of 1.7 mmHg (95% CI 0.1-3.3 mmHg) ( P  = 0.032) in the group without CPAP compared to the CPAP group. There was a significant effect on blood pressure in women but not in men. In women, SBP increased by 5.1 mmHg (95% CI 1.0-9.5 mmHg) ( P  = 0.017) and DBP by 2.9 mmHg (95% CI 0.4-5.6 mmHg) ( P  = 0.029). Arterial stiffness remained unaffected. Secondary outcomes that worsened in patients without CPAP included apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, hemoglobin levels, and daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSION

Blood pressure is affected after five nights of CPAP interruption, along with a rapid return of sleep apneas, nocturnal hypoxic events, daytime sleepiness and increased hemoglobin levels, but arterial stiffness was not affected. Blood pressure was affected in women only, suggesting a sex-related CPAP effect on blood pressure.

Observational protocol on neuropsychological disorders in cardiovascular disease for holistic prevention and treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. In view of the close correlation between the functions of the body, which cannot be examined in a piecemeal manner but as an integrated system, a holistic approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the patient. Our study aims to (i) examine the connection between CVD and cognitive deficits; (ii) examine the presence of anxiety and depression; (iii) evaluate the presence of dysphagia, pneumophonic coordination disorders, respiratory and sleep disorders; (iv) analyze the impact of CVD on the caregiver; and (v) evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational intervention. At least 218 patients will participate in the survey. At T0, they will undergo neuropsychological, psychological and associated clinical condition assessment through standardized tests. In addition, at least one psychoeducation meeting will be held. After 6 months (T1), the same tests will be repeated, and the effectiveness of psychoeducation will be evaluated. Assessment of associated disorders will provide a comprehensive view of the patient. In addition, it will be observed how psychoeducational intervention can make changes on general well-being. Comprehensive, multi-step observation allows for identification of risk factors, tailoring of treatment, and prevention of future complications.Clinical Trial Registration: registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT06413823).

Neuroregulation of histamine of circadian rhythm disorder induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent hypoxemia, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA patients are at an elevated risk for circadian rhythm disturbances. Histamine is known to regulate the sleep-wake cycle predominantly via histamine H1 receptors. We utilized a C57BL/6 mouse model exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) for three weeks to assess alterations in circadian rhythmicity. Sleep architecture and voluntary wheel-running activity were evaluated. Additionally, c-fos expression and mPer2 levels in the frontal cortex (FC) and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were examined. BV-2 microglial cells were subjected to intermittent hypoxia (IH) for 12 hours to explore the underlying signaling pathways. CIH exposure led to a significant prolongation of the wake phase and a reduction in the Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase, accompanied by increased sleep fragmentation and disruption of circadian rhythms. Treatment with mepyramine, an H1 receptor antagonist, mitigated these effects by reducing arousal duration, extending NREM phase, and decreasing sleep fragmentation. CIH also resulted in increased c-fos expression and elevated mPer2 levels in the FC and SCN, both of which were reversed following mepyramine administration. In vitro studies on BV-2 cells demonstrated that histamine exerts its modulatory effects through the activation of the PLC and PKA signaling pathways, influencing mPer2 expression via the regulation of K+, Na+-Ca2+, and Ca2+ ion channels. In conclusion, CIH disrupts circadian rhythms through histamine-mediated mechanisms, and mepyramine effectively ameliorates these disruptions. These findings highlight histamine as a promising therapeutic target for addressing circadian rhythm disorders associated with OSA.

Echoes in the night: How sleep quality influences auditory health

The intricate relationship between sleep disorders and hearing loss emerges as a burgeoning field of scholarly inquiry. Numerous studies have illuminated a potential correlation between the two, affecting the quality of life and overall health of individuals. Hearing loss, or auditory impairment, serves as a critical indicator of physiological dysfunction, casting a pall over the daily existence and professional endeavors of those affected, potentially leading to irreversible deafness if left untreated. Sleep disorders may cause physical and psychological changes that further affect hearing, while auditory dysfunction may detrimentally impact sleep experienced by individuals. Although certain studies have failed to find a direct link between sleep duration and hearing loss, it is evident that sleep-related issues do increase the risk of hearing loss. Thus, understanding the relationship between sleep disorders and hearing loss, alongside the underlying mechanisms, will help establish interventions aimed at enhancing sleep quality and safeguarding auditory health. This systematic review endeavors to elucidate the correlation between sleep disorders and hearing loss, offering valuable insights and guidance for future basic research and clinical applications.

Controversies in hypertension therapy: bedtime dosing or daytime dosing?

Hypertension management strategies have evolved from solely controlling office blood pressure (BP) to comprehensive 24-h BP regulation. This review synthesizes current evidence on the timing of antihypertensive medication, with a focus on circadian BP rhythms and patients with specific BP patterns or comorbidities. Bedtime dosing may benefit individuals with nocturnal hypertension and nondipper BP patterns, but large trials, such as the TIME study, have shown no significant cardiovascular outcome differences between morning and bedtime dosing. However, the optimal timing of antihypertensive medication for patients with distinct BP rhythms or comorbidities remains uncertain. Future research should investigate the potential benefits of personalized medication timing tailored to BP patterns and clinical conditions. Additionally, treatment strategies should consider BP rhythms, comorbidities, and adherence to optimize outcomes, paving the way for more effective management of hypertensive patients with complex clinical profiles.

Occupational but not leisure-time physical activity associated with high-risk of obstructive sleep apnea status: a population-based study

PURPOSE

Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, the distinct impacts of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between OPA/LTPA and the risk of developing OSA within a nationally representative sample. We hypothesized that high-intensity OPA could potentially elevate the risk of OSA, whereas the effect of LTPA on OSA risk might be different.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study utilized data from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey database (2019-2020), encompassing a total of 8093 participants. OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-BANG questionnaire, where a score of ≥ 3 signified high risk. Physical activity levels were evaluated using questions adapted from the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were allocated based on their high or low levels of LTPA or OPA. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to unveil the associations between OSA and LTPA/OPA.

RESULTS

The multivariate regression analysis revealed that high-intensity OPA posed a risk factor for OSA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.738, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.134, 2.666), particularly among individuals with age ≥ 60 years old (OR = 1.321, 95% CI: 1.036, 1.682), those with a BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 1.967, 95% CI: 1.027, 3.767), and individuals with hypertension (OR = 3.729, 95% CI: 1.586, 8.768). Furthermore, a visible association was observed between high-intensity OPA and increased tiredness (OR = 1.447, 95% CI: 1.107, 1.891). However, no notable correlation was detected between LTPA and OSA prevalence in both overall and subgroup analyses (all P > 0.5).

CONCLUSION

The study supported the link between high-intensity OPA and an elevated risk of OSA, suggesting the need to manage the duration and intensity of OPA.

Quantitative study on whole brain volume in patients with obstructive sleep apnea based on synthetic magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To apply SyMRI to quantify whole brain volume changes in patients with varying degrees of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

A total of 49 untreated adult patients diagnosed with OSA via polysomnography (PSG) at our hospital were included in this study. Among these patients, 21 were categorized into the mild-to-moderate OSA group, and 28 into the severe OSA group. Additionally, 31 healthy adults were recruited as the healthy control (HC) group. SyMRI post-processing software was used to obtain whole brain volume segmentation values.

RESULTS

In terms of the STOP-BANG questionnaire, the score of the severe OSA group was significantly higher than that of the mild-to-moderate OSA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HC group, the mild-to-moderate OSA group and the severe OSA group exhibited a reduction in N3-stage sleep (both P < 0.05). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that compared with the HC group, the severe OSA group had increased GMV, BPV, and ICV, while the mild-to-moderate OSA group showed an increase in CSFV (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with the HC group, the mild-to-moderate OSA group exhibited a decrease and the severe OSA group showed an increase in MYV (P < 0.05). Multiple comparisons of normalized volume fractions revealed that GMF, WMF, CSFF, MYF and BPVF were significantly different between the HC group and OSA groups (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The brain volume parameters generated from SyMRI can quantify the degree of brain injury in patients with OSA.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Obesity Management in Female Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Global childhood obesity continues to rise, particularly in adolescent females. The underlying cause of this change in prevalence is multifactorial with a complex interplay of genetic, socioeconomic and environmental influences. In this review, we aim to emphasize the multiple options available for assisting an adolescent female to improve their overall health and longevity.

DESIGN

Experts from each of their respective fields reviewed the current literature regarding the management of obesity in female adolescents.

RESULTS

Lifestyle changes, including decreases in overall calorie consumption and simple carbohydrates as well as increases in activity/exercise have been the mainstay of obesity therapy due to their effects on decreasing insulin resistance and associated metabolic disease, as well as weight loss. However, the combination of provider encouraged weight loss and societal obesity stigma leads to an increased risk for disordered eating. The high prevalence of mental health and sleep disorders in female youth with obesity are recent findings, as is the importance in treating these conditions for improved quality of life as well as success with lifestyle changes. The American Academy of Pediatrics' 2023 obesity guidelines are the first across the globe to recommend early adjunctive use of weight loss medications for obesity. These recommendations correspond with the development and increasing availability of new combinations of existing mediations as well as the glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist class of medications. Youth with a body mass index in excess of 35-40 kg/m2, can now undergo bariatric surgery in many countries, with very encouraging short- and medium-term success.

CONCLUSION

There are now many approaches to consider when treating an adolescent female for obesity or associated metabolic disease, and customized approaches may be needed for optimal success at the individual patient level.

Biotransformation of ketamine in terminal in vivo experiments under chronic intermittent hypoxia conditions and the role of AhR

We were pioneers in describing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) in a rat pre-clinical model. This model mimics hypertension (HTN) secondary to obstructive sleep apnea, enabling longitudinal investigation of hypertension development. Concerns about the influence of barbiturates on AhR-regulated enzymes led us to opt for ketamine/medetomidine anesthesia in terminal in vivo experiments. However, the biotransformation and the metabolomic pathways of ketamine in CIH conditions, which is associated to AhR overactivation, are yet to be disclosed. A rat model of CIH was used, with experimental groups defined based on the duration of CIH exposure. Ketamine/medetomidine (75/0.5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally as terminal anesthetic. Metabolomic strategies were used to reveal the profiles of ketamine and its metabolites in liver and kidney tissues, uncovering six metabolites, including the first report of norketamine glucuronide formation in the liver. While PCA analysis revealed similar ketamine metabolite fingerprints in normoxia and CIH, a predominance of hydroxynorketamine over norketamine was observed in CIH condition. A consistent association between norketamine, hydroxyketamine and the metabolome was found in both normoxia and CIH conditions. The AhR antagonist CH-223191 (5 mg/kg) influenced hydroxynorketamine glucuronidation in the liver. No changes in medetomidine biotransformation were detected. Overall, these findings expand the knowledge of ketamine metabolism and its tissue-dependence. The results emphasize the importance of considering how ketamine biotransformation may differ between control and experimental conditions in metabolic studies, particularly in chronic intermittent hypoxia conditions. The role of AhR in ketamine biotransformation is herein described for the first time.

Peripheral and central auditory dysfunction induced by intermittent hypoxia via a novel recurrent airway obstruction device in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH) on auditory thresholds, auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency, and neuronal activity in the auditory cortex using a novel recurrent airway obstruction device.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. A custom 3D-printed mask with one-way valves and a ventilation system was used to induce IH in the experimental group via periodic airflow cessation. The control group wore the same apparatus without hypoxic exposure. Blood oxygen saturation was continuously monitored using a pulse oximeter. A three-dimensional gas dynamics model was constructed to validate the oxygen and carbon dioxide dynamics within the mask. After 3 h of exposure, ABR and the spontaneous firing rate (SFR) of auditory cortical neurons were recorded.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed periodic desaturation, with minimum and maximum oxygen saturation values of 80.19 ± 0.34 % and 97.68 ± 0.31 %, respectively. ABR thresholds at 24 and 32 kHz significantly increased to 19.17 ± 1.54 dB and 25.00 ± 1.83 dB (P<0.05). ABR wave III-V latency at 32 kHz was significantly shortened from 2.79 ± 0.17 ms to 2.27 ± 0.16 ms (P<0.05). Additionally, the SFR of auditory cortical neurons increased to 2.67 ± 0.18 Hz in the experimental group versus 1.02 ± 0.11 Hz in controls (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Short-term IH induces high-frequency hearing loss, reduces ABR latency, and enhances cortical neuronal excitability, implicating both peripheral and central auditory pathways.

The Association Between Craniofacial Morphological Parameters and the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Multivariate Analysis Using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index and Nocturnal Oxygen Desaturation

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive complete or partial closure of the upper airway during sleep, which is a potentially life-threatening disorder. A cephalogram is a simple and effective examination to predict the risk of OSA in orthodontic clinical practice. This study aims to analyze the relationship between craniofacial characteristics and the severity of OSA using polysomnography and cephalogram data. Gender differences in these parameters are also investigated. Methods: This study included 112 patients who underwent a complete clinical examination, standard polysomnography study, and cephalometric analysis to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. This study divided the participants into male and female groups to study the correlation between cephalometric parameters and the severity of OSA. The analysis involved 39 cephalometric parameters. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea was evaluated by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation (LSaO2). Results: The final assessment included 112 adult participants (male/female = 67:45, mean age: 28.4 ± 7.29 years, mean male age: 28.8 ± 7.62 years, mean female age: 27.8 ± 6.79 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that the mandibular position, incisor inclination, facial height, and maxillary first molar position were strongly associated with OSA severity. Gender-specific differences in cephalometric predictors were identified, with distinct parameters correlating with the AHI and LSaO2 in males and females. Notably, the LSaO2 demonstrated stronger associations with craniofacial morphology in females than males. Conclusions: Cephalometric analysis can be effective in assessing the risk and severity of OSA based on the correlation between cephalometric parameters and the AHI/LSaO2. There is a clear difference between the cephalometric parameters associated with OSA severity in male and female individuals. This gender-dependent pattern may assist the personalized diagnosis and management of OSA in clinical practice.

Multidimensional Sleep Health: Definitions and Implications for Cardiometabolic Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Poor sleep health is associated with cardiometabolic disease and related risk factors, including heart disease, stroke, elevated blood pressure and lipid levels, inflammation, glucose intolerance, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, unhealthy substance use, poor mental health, and increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and is associated with social determinants of cardiovascular health and health disparities. Therefore, sleep duration has been recognized by the American Heart Association as one of Life's Essential 8. Although chronic sleep duration is the sole metric used in Life's Essential 8, sleep health represents a multidimensional construct. This scientific statement outlines the concept of multidimensional sleep health (sleep duration, continuity, timing, regularity, sleep-related daytime functioning, architecture, and absence of sleep disorders) as it applies to cardiometabolic health. Considerations of how these dimensions are related to cardiometabolic health and patterned by sociodemographic status are explained, and knowledge gaps are highlighted. Additional data are needed to understand better how these various dimensions of sleep should be assessed and how interventions targeting sleep health in clinical and community settings can be leveraged to improve health.

Obstructive sleep apnea and memory impairments: Clinical characterization, treatment strategies, and mechanisms

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is associated with dysfunction in the cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological systems. However, the relationship between OSA and memory impairment, intervention effects, and underlying pathways are not well understood. This review summarizes recent advances in the clinical characterization, treatment strategies, and mechanisms of OSA-induced memory impairments. OSA patients may exhibit significant memory declines, including impairments in working memory from visual and verbal sources. The underlying mechanisms behind OSA-related memory impairment are complex and multifactorial with poorly understood aspects that require further investigation. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal damage, synaptic plasticity, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, as observed under exposures to intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation are likely contributors to learning and memory dysfunction. Continuous positive airway pressure treatment can provide remarkable relief from memory impairment in OSA patients. Other treatments are emerging but need to be rigorously evaluated for cognitive improvement. Clinically, reliable and objective diagnostic tools are necessary for accurate diagnosis and clinical characterization of cognitive impairments in OSA patients. The complex links between gut-brain axis, epigenetic landscape, genetic susceptibility, and OSA-induced memory impairments suggest new directions for research. Characterization of clinical phenotypic clusters can facilitate advances in precision medicine to predict and treat OSA-related memory deficits.

The severity of coronary heart disease and the incidence and severity of following obstructive sleep apnea: a population-based cohort study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by pharyngeal collapse, hypoxia, and hypercapnia. However, the impact of coronary heart disease (CHD) severity on OSA development has been rarely explored. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between CHD severity and OSA incidence. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with CHD were categorized into three groups: those with severe CHD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), those with CHD without PCI, and those receiving medical treatment. The primary outcome was the development of OSA at least six months after CHD onset. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for OSA across the different CHD groups. A total of 5,193 and 8,313 OSA events were recorded in the CHD-PCI and CHD groups, respectively. After adjusting for multiple confounders, the incidence of OSA was significantly higher in the CHD-PCI group than in the CHD group (aHR: 1.267, 95% CI: 1.220-1.315, P = 0.0135). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between severe CHD with PCI and OSA was more pronounced in older CHD patients (P < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of both OSA and severe OSA was significantly higher in the CHD-PCI group than in the CHD group (both P < 0.001). Severe CHD requiring PCI is associated with a higher incidence of subsequent OSA compared to mild CHD. This association is particularly significant in patients older than 70 years.

Detecting arousals and sleep from respiratory inductance plethysmography

PURPOSE

Accurately identifying sleep states (REM, NREM, and Wake) and brief awakenings (arousals) is essential for diagnosing sleep disorders. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for such assessments but is costly and requires overnight monitoring in a lab. Home sleep testing (HST) offers a more accessible alternative, relying primarily on breathing measurements but lacks electroencephalography, limiting its ability to evaluate sleep and arousals directly. This study evaluates a deep learning algorithm which determines sleep states and arousals from breathing signals.

METHODS

A novel deep learning algorithm was developed to classify sleep states and detect arousals from respiratory inductance plethysmography signals. Sleep states were predicted for 30-s intervals (one sleep epoch), while arousal probabilities were calculated at 1-s resolution. Validation was conducted on a clinical dataset of 1,299 adults with suspected sleep disorders. Performance was assessed at the epoch level for sensitivity and specificity, with agreement analyses for arousal index (ArI) and total sleep time (TST).

RESULTS

The algorithm achieved sensitivity and specificity of 77.9% and 96.2% for Wake, 93.9% and 80.4% for NREM, 80.5% and 98.2% for REM, and 66.1% and 86.7% for arousals. Bland-Altman analysis showed ArI limits of agreement ranging from - 32 to 24 events/hour (bias: - 4.4) and TST limits from - 47 to 64 min (bias: 8.0). Intraclass correlation was 0.74 for ArI and 0.91 for TST.

CONCLUSION

The algorithm identifies sleep states and arousals from breathing signals with agreement comparable to established variability in manual scoring. These results highlight its potential to advance HST capabilities, enabling more accessible, cost-effective and reliable sleep diagnostics.

An Automated Algorithm for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Detection Using a Wireless Abdomen-Worn Sensor

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among older populations and individuals with cardiovascular diseases. OSA diagnosis is primarily conducted using polysomnography or recommended home sleep apnea test (HSAT) devices. Wireless wearable devices have emerged as promising tools for OSA screening and follow-up. This study introduces a novel automated algorithm for detecting OSA using abdominal movement signals and acceleration data collected by a wireless abdomen-worn sensor (Soomirang). Thirty-seven subjects underwent overnight monitoring using an HSAT device and the Soomirang system simultaneously. Normal and apnea events were classified using an MLP-Mixer deep learning model based on Soomirang data, which was also used to estimate total sleep time (ST). Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were conducted to evaluate the agreement of ST and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) calculated by the HSAT device and Soomirang. ST demonstrated a correlation of 0.9 with an average time difference of 7.5 min, while AHI showed a correlation of 0.95 with an average AHI difference of 3. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the Soomirang for detecting OSA were 97.14%, 100%, and 95.45% at AHI ≥ 15, respectively. The proposed algorithm, utilizing data from a wireless abdomen-worn device exhibited excellent performance in detecting moderate to severe OSA. The findings underscored the potential of a simple device as an accessible and effective tool for OSA screening and follow-up.

Narcolepsy Is Associated With Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease as Early as Childhood: A Big Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Narcolepsy is linked to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, but few studies have examined its associations with subclinical CVD, including in children. We assessed the relationship between narcolepsy and subclinical CVD outcomes, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2021. Patients included N=22 293 diagnosed with narcolepsy (NT1 and NT2) and N=63 709 propensity-score-matched without. Patients with narcolepsy were identified as those with ≥2 outpatient insurance claims for narcolepsy (type 1 or type 2) within a 1-year interval with 1 claim being nondiagnostic. Main outcomes were diagnosis of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis following index date, as well as a composite measure for CVD and major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with propensity-score-matched patients without narcolepsy, patients with narcolepsy had an increased risk for hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40 [95% CI, 1.34-1.47]), hyperlipidemia (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.35-1.47]), diabetes (HR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.38-1.64), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (HR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.28-1.73]), CVD composite (HR,1.61 [95% CI, 1.35-1.47]), and major adverse cardiovascular events (HR,1.69 [95% CI, 1.43-2.00]). Results remained significant following adjustment for narcolepsy medications including stimulants, wake-promoting agents, and oxybates. Results stratified by age groups showed similar findings, including heightened risk for those <25 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Narcolepsy is associated with greater risk of subclinical CVD even in patients as early as childhood. Detection of these outcomes early in the course of narcolepsy could help reduce the burden of adverse cardiovascular events later in life.

The role of insomnia in the development of resistant hypertension in uncontrolled hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the independent predictive value of insomnia for resistant hypertension (RH) in uncontrolled hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

This prospective follow-up study enrolled 386 OSA patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) using 1 or 2 classes of antihypertensive drugs visiting Sleep Medicine Center from April 2021 to August 2022. Information on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, BP control and classes of antihypertensive medication, sleep related symptoms and sleep parameters was collected. Insomnia was assessed using DSM-V criteria and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RH incidence according to the BP control and classes of antihypertensive drugs data during the 5 months follow-up was collected. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between insomnia and RH, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

After 5 months follow-up, 301 participants were included for final data analysis. Insomnia was prevalent in 23.9 % of the participants and was associated with a higher risk of RH (adjusted ORs around 2.0, all P < 0.05). Participants with clinical insomnia (ISI >14) had a 4-6 times higher risk of RH compared to those without insomnia. Insomnia treatment improved ISI score significantly, but didn't reduce the incidence of RH significantly. Effective insomnia treatment was associated with antihypertensive drugs reduction (OR, 5.57; 95 % CI, 1.24-25.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia is an independent predictor of RH in uncontrolled hypertensive patients with OSA. Addressing insomnia may be crucial for managing RH in this patient population.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on early surgical site infections in elderly PLIF patients: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder associated with intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation, posing risks for adverse postoperative outcomes, including surgical site infections (SSIs). Elderly patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) are particularly susceptible to SSIs due to advanced age, comorbidities, and prolonged surgical times. However, the role of OSA in increasing SSI risk among this population remains unclear.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 478 elderly PLIF patients from a single institution between May 2016 and June 2024. Of these, 113 were diagnosed with OSA. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance baseline characteristics, resulting in 83 matched pairs. SSI rates, hospital stays, and readmission rates were compared between the OSA and non-OSA groups. Subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

After PSM, OSA patients demonstrated a significantly higher SSI incidence (13.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.04) compared to non-OSA patients. On multivariate analysis, OSA was the only factor that remained significantly associated with an increased risk of SSIs (Odds Ratio = 4.509, 95% CI: 1.283-21.504, p = 0.03). OSA patients also experienced longer hospital stays (10.1 ± 2.9 vs. 9.1 ± 2.0 days, p = 0.01) and elevated 30-day readmission rates (9.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis revealed that CPAP/APAP therapy reduced SSI incidence (3.9% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.08) and shortened hospital stays (9.1 ± 1.5 vs. 10.5 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.03) among OSA patients.

CONCLUSION

OSA significantly increases the risk of early SSIs and prolongs hospital stays in elderly PLIF patients. Subgroup analysis suggests that CPAP/APAP therapy may have benefits to OSA patients, though this association requires validation through prospective studies. These findings emphasize the importance of preoperative OSA screening and management to improve surgical outcomes in this high-risk population.

Prevalence and risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea in depression: an observational retrospective study

Background

A substantial number of previous studies have concentrated on the prevalence of depression among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, research regarding the prevalence of OSA among patients with depression remains relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OSA among patients with depression and to identify the associated risk factors.

Method

A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted. The research focused on patients diagnosed with depression who were referred for a polysomnogram (PSG) during a one-year period. Patients were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was ≥5. Using the PSG monitoring results, patients were classified into two distinct groups: the OSA group, consisting of 50 patients, and the non-OSA group, which included 109 patients. An in-depth analysis was subsequently conducted on the sleep architecture and factors associated with the risk of OSA.

Results

Among the 159 depression patients who met the subject criteria, 31.4% were diagnosed with OSA. Statistically significant differences were observed between the OSA group and the non-OSA group in terms of sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and lipid levels (all p<0.05). The PSG monitoring results indicated that both the duration of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 (N3) sleep and the percentage of N3 sleep relative to total sleep time (N3/TST) were markedly lower in the OSA group than in the non-OSA group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the number of awakenings, arousal index (ArI), mean oxygen saturation, oxygen saturation nadir, and oxygen desaturation index (all p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that advanced age (odds ratio [OR]=1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.065, p=0.024), female sex (OR=0.378, 95% CI: 0.171-0.837, p=0.016), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR=1.946, 95% CI: 1.026-3.692, p=0.041), and BMI≥25.0 kg/m² (OR=3.434, 95% CI: 1.411-8.360, p=0.007) were factors associated with OSA among patients with depression.

Conclusion

OSA was prevalent among patients with depression. Risk factors for OSA included male sex, advancing age, a BMI≥25.0 kg/m², and elevated LDL-C levels.

Genome-wide analysis of m6A-modified circRNAs in the mouse model of myocardial injury induced by obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

The peculiar expression of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is closely linked to the occurrence of many diseases. However, roles of m6A-modified circRNAs in OSA-induced cardiovascular disease are unknown. Here, we use bioinformatics analysis to investigate the expression profiles of m6A-modified circRNAs and reveal their potential functional roles in the mouse models of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

METHODS

Firstly, the expression profiles of m6A-modified circRNA in left ventricular tissue of the CIH mouse model were examined using circRNA microarray analysis. Then, the expression level of selected circrRNA was compared by folding change filtration, and the consistency between them and microarray results was verified by MeRIP-qPCR. GO analyses and KEGG analyses were conducted to predict the potential functions of these m6A-modified circRNAs. Finally, we conducted a ceRNA analysis, and a network was constructed to clarify the relationship between the selected circRNAs and miRNAs as well as the targeted genes.

RESULTS

In total, 255 circRNAs with m6A peaks in CIH-treated cardiac tissues were identified. 250 were up-regulated, 5 were down-regulated. The results of MeRIP-qPCR were consistent with the microarray results. 73 pathways were detected in the up-regulated transcripts and no relevant pathways were detected in the down-regulated transcripts. Finally, three circRNAs (mmu_circRNAs_22543, mmu_circRNAs_29768, and mmu_circRNAs_34841) were selected for ceRNA analysis, and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed.

CONCLUSION

Our findings are the first to show that m6A-modified circRNAs play a key role in OSA-induced cardiovascular disease. This study highlights the pivotal role of m6A-modified circRNAs in regulating gene expression and their potential implications in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of OSA-induced cardiac injury.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO website (CRD42024558287). Our objective is to systematically summarise the clinical evidence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with Obesity or/and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. 10 databases and registers Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, APA PsycInfo, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) were retrieved from the establishment to July 14, 2024 for related randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-RCTs. Data were extracted by two investigators separately, and only the RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. The outcome was operated by Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.0. Ten studies containing eight RCTs and two non-RCTs were included. The efficacy of the GLP-1 RA group in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was superior to that of the control group in patients with T2DM (MD = -5.68, 95%CI [-7.97, -3.38], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). GLP-1 RAs also possessed a tendency to reduce AHI in patients with obesity but more evidence is needed to support the findings due to the inconsistency. In consideration of the enhanced metabolic parameters observed with GLP-1 RAs, they may be recommended as useful hypoglycaemic medication for the management of T2DM with OSA. Patients with obesity and OSA may consider GLP-1 RA as a potential treatment option if the adverse events are deemed tolerable.

Diagnostic performance of a doppler radar-based sleep apnoea testing device

BACKGROUND

Inpatient polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), however, both complexity and costs limit the availability of this examination. Home sleep apnoea testing devices are a diagnostic alternative in patients with increased risk of OSA. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a Doppler radar technology based, contactless sleep apnoea testing device (CSATD) in a cohort of patients with a clinically increased risk of OSA.

METHODS

Monocentric prospective study. Sleep monitoring with the CSATD SleepizOne + without pulse oximetry (Sleepiz AG, Switzerland) was performed simultaneously with elective inpatient PSG. PSG was analysed blinded to the CSATD results and according to AASM 2012 criteria by certified sleep physicians. The CSATD data were analysed automatically and independently by a dedicated software.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients, 60.8% male, with an average age of 55 ± 15 years and body mass index of 30 ± 6 kg/m2 were included in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the CSATD for a PSG apnoea-hypopnoea-index (AHI) of ≥ 5/h were 0.89 (95%CI: 0.83-0.96) and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.73-1.0). The negative and positive predictive values were 0.62 (95%CI: 0.42-0.82) and 0.97 (95%CI: 0.94-1.0). The diagnostic agreement for the diagnosis of OSA (defined as PSG AHI ≥ 5/h) was 89.8% and 100% using a CSATD AHI threshold of ≥ 5/h (n = 79/88) and ≥ 15/h (n = 61/61). However, the concordance was poor in the classification of OSA severity, with 50% (13/26) concordance for mild, 38% (10/26) for moderate, and 76% (25/33) for severe OSA respectively.

CONCLUSION

CSATD accurately identifies patients with OSA, particularly using an AHI threshold of ≥ 15/h. However, it performs subpar in disease severity stratification.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ISRCTN45778591.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Insights from the PROGRESS-CTO registry

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have received limited study.

METHODS

We compared the procedural characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCIs in patients with and without OSAS in a multicenter registry.

RESULTS

Of 7,403 patients who underwent 7,408 CTO PCIs between 2012 and 2024 at 47 centers, 942 (13%) had OSAS. Compared with patients without OSAS, patients with OSAS were older; more likely to be men; and had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, previous heart failure, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and previous PCI. They had higher J-CTO (2.73±1.20 vs. 2.30±1.25; p<0.001) and PROGRESS-CTO (1.35±1.01 vs. 1.16±0.96; p<0.001) scores, longer lesion length, and more complex angiographic characteristics. Compared with patients without OSAS, patients with OSAS had similar technical success (87.6% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.552) and procedural success (85.9% vs. 87.2%, p = 0.260). There were no differences in terms of in hospital MACEs and death. After a median follow-up of 71 days, the incidence of MACEs (3.9% vs 1.6%, p = 0.026) and death (2.6% vs 0.6%, p=0.003) was higher in patients with OSAS than in patients without OSAS. In the multivariable analysis, OSAS was independently associated with higher follow-up MACEs (hazard ratio 2.32, 95% confidence intervals 1.22-3.26, p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

OSAS is common in patients undergoing CTO PCI. Compared with patients without OSAS, patients with OSAS had more comorbidities and more complex CTOs, similar rates of periprocedural success and complications, and higher rates of follow-up MACEs.

Interplay between gut microbiota and exosome dynamics in sleep apnea

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is characterized by recurrent reductions or interruptions in airflow during sleep, termed hypopneas and apneas, respectively. SDB impairs sleep quality and is linked to substantive health issues including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, as well as cognitive decline. Recent evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota (GM) composition and sleep apnea. Indeed, GM, a community of microorganisms residing in the gut, has emerged as a potential player in various diseases, and several studies have identified associations between sleep apnea and GM diversity along with shifts in bacterial populations. Additionally, the concept of "leaky gut," a compromised intestinal barrier with potentially increased inflammation, has emerged as another key player in the potential bidirectional relationship between GM and sleep apnea. One of the potential effectors could be extracellular vesicles (EVs) underlying gut-brain communication pathways that are relevant to sleep regulation and function. Thus, therapeutic implications afforded by targeting the GM or exosomes for sleep apnea management have surfaced as promising areas of research. This review explores current understanding of the relationship between GM, exosomes and sleep apnea, highlighting key research dynamics and potential mechanisms. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies investigating GM composition, intestinal barrier function and gut-brain communication in relation to sleep apnea.

A machine learning approach for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea using oximetry, demographic and anthropometric data

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious but underdiagnosed condition. Demand for the gold standard diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) far exceeds its availability. More efficient diagnostic methods are needed, even in tertiary settings. Machine learning (ML) models have strengths in disease prediction and early diagnosis. We explored the use of ML with oximetry, demographic and anthropometric data to diagnose OSA.

METHODS

A total of 2,996 patients were included for modelling and divided into test and training sets. Seven commonly used supervised learning algorithms were trained with the data. Sensitivity (recall), specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) (precision), negative predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and F1 measure were reported for each model.

RESULTS

In the best performing four-class model (neural network model predicting no, mild, moderate or severe OSA), a prediction of moderate and/or severe disease had a combined PPV of 94%; one out of 335 patients had no OSA and 19 had mild OSA. In the best performing two-class model (logistic regression model predicting no-mild vs. moderate-severe OSA), the PPV for moderate-severe OSA was 92%; two out of 350 patients had no OSA and 26 had mild OSA.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the prediction of moderate-severe OSA in a tertiary setting with an ML approach is a viable option to facilitate early identification of OSA. Prospective studies with home-based oximeters and analysis of other oximetry variables are the next steps towards formal implementation.

Association Between the Nutritional Inflammatory Index and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk: Insights from the NHANES 2015-2020 and Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Background/Objectives: Current approaches to monitoring obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk primarily focus on structural or functional abnormalities, often neglecting systemic metabolic and physiological factors. Resource-intensive methods, such as polysomnography (PSG), limit their routine applicability. This study aimed to evaluate composite nutritional-inflammatory indices derived from routine blood markers to identify feasible indices for OSA management and explore their association with OSA risk. Methods: Data from 9622 adults in the NHANES (2015-2020) and GWAS datasets were analyzed using logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, machine learning, and Mendelian randomization (MR). These techniques were employed to identify nutritional-inflammatory indices associated with OSA risk. Random forest modeling identified body mass index (BMI) and albumin (ALB) as key components of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI). Causal relationships between ALI components and OSA were validated using MR. Results: ALI was significantly associated with OSA, with individuals in the highest ALI tertile exhibiting a 59% higher likelihood of OSA (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.38-1.84; p < 0.001). BMI and ALB were identified as key contributors to ALI and confirmed as causal risk factors for OSA (BMI: OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.80-2.02; ALB: OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.19). Age, gender, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were also significant predictors. Conclusions: This study identifies ALI as a potential composite index for assessing OSA risk. Integrating statistical modeling, machine learning, and causal inference techniques highlights the utility of nutritional-inflammatory indices in improving OSA monitoring and management in clinical practice.

Beyond the mouth: An overview of obstructive sleep apnea in adults for dentists

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and complex medical sleep condition in adults that is associated with chronic medical and mental health conditions. Left undiagnosed and untreated it can decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality. Dentists are at the forefront for screening OSA in their role to maintain the health of the oral cavity. Clinical experience in the management of OSA in dentists is limited. The aim of this article is to provide dentists with foundational knowledge about OSA to empower them to play an active role in the care management of screening and treating OSA.

Retinal microvascular phenotypes can track small vessel disease burden and CPAP treatment effectiveness in obstructive sleep apnea

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) retinal imaging enables in vivo visualization of the retinal microvasculature that is developmentally related to the brain and can offer insight on cerebrovascular health. We investigated retinal phenotypes and neuroimaging markers of small vessel disease (SVD) in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We enrolled 44 participants (mean age 50.1 ± SD 9.1 years) and performed OCT-A imaging before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Pre-treatment analyses using a generalized estimating equations model adjusted for relevant covariates, revealed perivascular spaces (PVS) volume in basal ganglia associated with greater foveal vessel density (fVD) (p-value < 0.001), and smaller foveal avascular zone area (p-value = 0.01), whereas PVS count in centrum semiovale associated with lower retinal vessel radius (p-value = 0.02) and higher vessel tortuosity (p-value = 0.01). A reduction in retinal vessel radius was also observed with increased OSA severity (p-value = 0.05). Post-treatment analyses showed greater CPAP usage was associated with a decrease in fVD (p-value = 0.02), and increased retinal vessel radius (p-value = 0.01). The findings demonstrate for the first time the potential use of OCT-A to monitor CPAP treatment and its possible impact on both retinal and brain vascular health.

Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for adults with sleep apnea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular risk, work productivity, occupational/traffic accidents, and quality-of-life (QoL); however uncertainty exists regarding optimal treatment. We performed a systematic review on the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for adults with sleep apnea.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Virtual-Health-Library and Web-of-Science through June 2023 for parallel/cross-over randomized trials on adults with sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea-index>5 events/hour). Study selection, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were performed in duplicate, followed by frequentist network meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 197 unique trials were included (15,931 patients; mean age 51.4 years; 78.9 % male) assessing 25 treatments. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) (alone or combined with health behaviour modification) consistently improved more apnea-hypopnea-index or daytime sleepiness and physical/mental QoL in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients compared to all other interventions but was not always well-tolerated. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) yielded the greatest improvement in depression, while also improving objective/subjective apnea-outcomes, and physical/mental QoL-albeit less than PAP and less for moderate/severe cases. Acupuncture, health behaviour modifications, surgical maxillomandibular advancement, minor oral surgery, oropharyngeal training, oxygen supplementation, or electrical neurostimulation might improve apnea-related outcomes, but weak evidence exists. Finally, electrical neurostimulation performed best for central sleep apnea and PAP performed best for positional OSA. Confidence in the network meta-analysis estimates was low due to non-adherence issues that was rarely directly assessed in included trials with objective measures.

CONCLUSION

PAP (alone or with co-interventions) performed best for the treatment of adult OSA patients regardless of disease severity. For patients not tolerating PAP, MADs might be a good alternative, but confer smaller improvements overall. However, adherence issues and the heterogenous response increase the complexity of OSA treatment.

Change in Sleep Quality Associated With Adaptive Servoventilation for Central Sleep Apnea: Six-Month Follow-Up of the Multicenter Nationwide French "Etude de Cohorte Observationnelle Multicentrique Française de Patients Ayant un Syndrome d'Apnées du Sommeil Central ou Combiné Avec SAS Central Prédominant, Traités par Ventilation Auto-Asservie (FACIL-VAA)" Cohort

BACKGROUND

A large number of symptomatic individuals with central sleep apnea (CSA) in clinical practice have an indication for adaptive servoventilation (ASV) therapy.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the effects of ASV therapy on sleep quality and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with CSA across a range of devices and indications?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective multicenter observational cohort study was conducted in France and enrolled participants from June 2017 through February 2020. Adults with predominant CSA at diagnosis or OSA with central events not controlled with CPAP who had an indication for ASV were eligible. Participants attended clinic visits at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. The primary end point was the change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score from baseline to 6-month follow-up (evaluated using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test on paired data).

RESULTS

We included 526 individuals (median age, 69 years; 88.2% male). The indication for ASV included CSA with cardiovascular or neurologic cause (38.4%), treatment-emergent CSA (36.1%), idiopathic CSA (14.1%), or drug-induced CSA (11.4%). At the 6-month follow-up, study participants were using ASV for a median of 6.1 h/night. The median change in the PSQI score from baseline to 6 months in the overall study population was -1 (interquartile range, -3 to 0; P < .001), with significant results across all indications for ASV except for drug-induced CSA, where the median change was similar to the overall results, but did not achieve statistical significance (-1 [interquartile range, -2 to 1]; P = .0866). Overall, 65% of participants showed a ≥ 1-point improvement in the PSQI.

INTERPRETATION

In this study, individuals with a clinical indication for ASV therapy experienced improved sleep quality during real-world treatment, regardless of which ASV device was used.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02835638; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Evaluating Somfit's pulse arterial tonometry for detection of obstructive sleep apnoea

This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of Somfit against polysomnography (PSG) for detecting obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Somfit is a wearable home-sleep monitoring device attached to the forehead, combining pulse arterial tonometry, oximetry, and actigraphy with sleep staging, arousals, and total sleep time (TST) derived from frontal neurological signals. Ninety-two participants suspected of having OSA were assessed using Somfit and simultaneous overnight PSG recordings at three Australian sites. Each PSG study was manually scored by three independent scorers. The reported statistics include standard measures of agreement between Somfit's TST, Oxygen-Saturation Index (ODI), Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and the average of those metrics from the three PSG scorers. The overall inter-scorer agreement was 76% (kappa = 0.772). TST, ODI, and AHI from Somfit were highly correlated with similar metrics from PSG (all r > 0.84, p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90.5%, 75.0%, and 89.1% respectively, with a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 28.5 for AHI ≥ 5. For AHI ≥ 15, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78.0%, 73.8%, and 76.1%, respectively, with a DOR of 9.99. For AHI ≥ 30, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and DOR were 72.4%, 90.5%, 84.8%, and 24.9, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) at different PSG AHI cut-offs ranged between 0.86 and 0.93. Coupled with oximetry and EEG-based derivation of TST, Somfit's performance is comparable to PSG in detecting OSA severity.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and migraine: A United States population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the incidence of migraine using a large population-based dataset, as well as to identify the at-risk target groups.

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological and biochemical studies have provided evidence for the close connection between sleep disorders and migraine. Understanding the connections between OSA and migraine, as well as their shared risk factors, may provide new perspectives on the pathophysiology of both OSA and migraine and novel approaches to managing and treating these conditions.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used data from the TriNetX network from 2010 to 2021. We compared 196,864 adult participants with OSA to a group of 196,864 participants who had never been diagnosed with OSA (1:1 propensity score-matching for age, sex, race, comorbidities, and body mass index [BMI] categories) in relation to the risk of incident migraine. We performed subgroup analyses based on age (18-39, 40-59, ≥60 years), sex (female, male), race (White, Black or African American, Asian), BMI categories (<18.5, 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m2), and the presence of hypoxemia (yes, no). Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate our findings.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 12,613 (6.4%) and 6356 participants (3.2%) developed migraine in the OSA and non-OSA cohorts, respectively. Patients with OSA were found to have a 1.85-fold risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-1.90) of incident migraine when compared to those without OSA, after accounting for age, sex, race, and baseline comorbidities. The results were consistent in sensitivity analyses (test-negative design: HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.28-1.49) and also cross-validated in a different dataset from TriNetX (Global Collaborative Research Network: HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.82-1.93). The results of subgroup analysis by sex, age, race, BMI categories, and the presence of hypoxemia were generally consistent.

CONCLUSION

We found OSA to be associated with an elevated risk of developing migraine using a large United States nationwide database, and the association was generalizable across sex, age, race, and BMI categories. Our results suggest that awareness of migraine should be increased among patients with OSA. The findings also encourage further research to clarify the role of obesity and overweight in the relationship between OSA and migraine, as well as the potential benefits of body weight control for those with these two comorbid conditions.

Severity of obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed incidentally during gastrointestinal endoscopy under conscious sedation

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether patients diagnosed as having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) incidentally while undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy under conscious sedation (GE-CS) have predominantly mild disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated differences in the disease characteristics, severity and treatments received between patients who were suspected as having OSA during GE-CS (GE group, n = 56) and patients who visited our hospital with a history of OSA-related symptoms (SY group, n = 123).

RESULTS

The median age of patients, percentage of men and percentage of patients with obesity were 54 years, 68%, and 21% in the GE group and 51 years, 78%, and 31% in the SY group, respectively. The percentages of patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA were 18%, 36%, and 43% in the GE group and 30%, 17%, and 39% in the SY group, respectively. The percentages of patients with subjective symptoms (e.g., daytime sleepiness/tiredness, 61% vs. 75%, p = 0.056) and scores on the Epworth sleepiness scale of ≥ 11 (18% vs. 37%, p = 0.009) were lower in the GE group, whereas there was no difference in the proportion of patients with objective symptoms (e.g., loud snoring or apnea, 70% vs. 70%) between the two groups. Patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy were fewer in the GE group (34% vs. 65%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A large percentage of patients with OSA diagnosed incidentally while undergoing GE-CS had moderate-to-severe disease but refused CPAP as they often had few subjective symptoms.

A comprehensive analysis of microRNA alteration in an ApoE(-/-) mice model of white adipose tissue injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of noncoding small RNAs and are implicated in many diseases. However, the role of miRNA in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-induced white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction remains to be fully elucidated. Using miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq), we uncovered the miRNA expression profiles in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced WAT dysfunction mice.

Methods

We established an apolipoprotein-deficient (ApoE-/-) CIH mouse model and identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) using miRNA-seq technology. With the help of Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, we determined the biological functions of these DEmiRs. In addition, RT-qPCR was performed for further evaluation of the sequencing data. Finally, we constructed a conserved negative correlation (CNC) network to expound the relationship between miRNA and target genes.

Results

Overall, 13 miRNAs were found to be upregulated and 18 miRNAs downregulated in the CIH-induced mouse model of WAT dysfunction. KEGG pathway analysis results indicated that the lysosome pathway participated in CIH-induced WAT dysfunction. Then, eight miRNAs were shortlisted for RT-qPCR validation. Based on the data, we chose these DEmiRs to construct a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network.

Conclusion

Overall, we identified 31 DEmiRs in the ApoE-/- CIH mouse model. Our findings may play a major role in explaining the pathophysiological mechanisms of WAT dysfunction induced by obstructive sleep apnea.

Analysis of the efficacy of the ZJU index and triglyceride‒glucose product index in identifying obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome in patients with metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. The coexistence of OSAHS and metabolic disorders is common, but research on how to recognize OSAHS and how OSAHS risk exacerbates metabolic disorders is limited. This study aimed to analyze the correlations of the ZJU index and triglyceride‒glucose (TyG) index with OSAHS in MS patients and to investigate the ability to use the ZJU index and TyG-related indices to assess the presence and severity of OSAHS in MS patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 216 MS patients with perfect polysomnographic monitoring (PSG), who were categorized into MS combined with OSAHS (n = 142) and MS alone (n = 74) groups according to the sleep monitoring results. The MS combined with OSAHS group was further categorized into mild (n = 55), moderate (n = 34), and severe (n = 53) groups according to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI). The general clinical data, clinical biochemical indices, AHI, mean oxygen saturation (MSaO2), lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), and longest apnea duration were collected from all the included subjects. Composite indices such as the ZJU, TyG, and TyG-BMI indices were calculated. The differences in each metabolic index among the different groups were analyzed; logistic regression analysis was used to compare the correlations between each parameter and OSAHS, and the efficacy of each parameter in identifying OSAHS in the MS population was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The ZJU, TyG, and TyG-BMI indices were associated with OSAHS after adjusting for sex, age, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, and history of smoking (all P < 0.05). The odds ratios for the ZJU, TyG, and TyG-BMI indices were 1.472 (1.293-1.674), 9.811 (3.916-24.582), and 1.032 (1.020-1.044), respectively. The ZJU, TyG, and TyG-BMI indices are effective predictors of the occurrence of OSAHS in MS patients, and their cutoff values could be used for early screening of OSAHS. The ZJU index was the strongest predictor of OSAHS, (area under the curve 0.829, 95% CI 0.771-0.888), with an optimal cutoff value of 38.940.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZJU, TyG, and TyG-BMI indices are novel, valid, and practical indicators for early screening of OSAHS risk in MS patients.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and multiple adverse clinical outcomes: evidence from an umbrella review

Background and objective

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in awareness regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a significant number of potential OSA cases have been identified. Numerous studies have established associations between OSA and various adverse clinical outcomes. This umbrella review aims to summarize and evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between OSA and multiple adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to September 2023. The AMSTAR and GRADE were used to evaluate the quality of meta-analysis literature and classify the quality of literature evidence. Furthermore, the size of the effect size of the association between OSA and adverse clinical outcomes were assessed by using either a random or fixed-effect model and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 27 meta-analyses were enrolled with 43 adverse clinical outcomes. The umbrella review primarily reported the associations between sleep apnea syndrome and thyroid cancer (HR = 2.32,95%CI:1.35-3.98), kidney cancer (RR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20-2.74), liver cancer (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.29), GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)(OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23-1.91), Atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.20-2.92), osteoporosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.26-3.27), and diabetes (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.32-1.48). Overall, the AMSTAR rating scale and GRADE quality assessment included in the meta-analysis were generally low.

Conclusion

Our study shows that OSA is significantly associated with a variety of adverse clinical outcomes, especially an increased risk of certain malignancies, and some adverse clinical outcomes are closely related to OSA severity.

Overnight stiffness index from finger photoplethysmography in relation to markers of cardiovascular risk and vascular ageing

Wearable technology, such as photoplethysmography (PPG), enables easily accessible individual health data with the potential for improved risk assessment. We hypothesized that the overnight stiffness index (OSI), derived from nocturnal finger PPG, could be used to assess cardiovascular risk and vascular ageing. Subjects with confirmed or suspected hypertension (n = 79, 56 males) underwent simultaneous ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and overnight sleep polygraphy with a continuous PPG registration. Overnight PPG-based pulse propagation time was used to calculate OSI. Associations between OSI and markers of cardiovascular risk, blood pressure, and indices of arterial stiffness, as indicators of vascular ageing, were assessed. Subjects were stratified into low and high OSI (according to median, 10.9 m/s). SCORE2/SCORE2-OP and Framingham risk scores were calculated. The high OSI group had higher SCORE2/SCORE2-OP (9.5 [5.5;12.5] vs 5.0 [4.0;6.5]), and OSI correlated with SCORE2/SCORE2-OP and Framingham risk score (rs = 0.40 and rs = 0.41; both P < 0.01). Indices of arterial stiffness were increased in the high OSI group including ABPM awake and asleep pulse pressures (59 ± 14 vs 50 ± 9 mmHg, P < 0.01, and 54 ± 14 vs 45 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.001), and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.37 ± 0.11, P < 0.001), respectively. OSI correlated with 24-h and asleep pulse pressure also after adjusting for confounders. OSI was related to systolic ABPM (awake r = 0.42, asleep r = 0.55; both P < 0.001) and diastolic ABPM (asleep r = 0.36, P < 0.01). OSI, a novel PPG-based measure of nocturnal arterial stiffness, correlates with established cardiovascular risk scores and with blood pressure-derived indices of vascular ageing. This simple method may facilitate cardiovascular risk assessment using readily available medical and wearable consumer devices.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia disrupts protective microgliosis in ischemic proliferative retinopathy

Sleep apnea that leads to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is an independent risk factor for advanced, debilitating ischemic proliferative retinopathies, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we investigated the consequences of CIH on the ischemic retina of the oxygen-induced retinopathy model. We show that experimental CIH inhibited colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) expression, blunting the reactive microgliosis during the ischemic phase of OIR. CIH severely delayed beneficial revascularization of the ischemic retina and increased pathological neovascularization. CIH also induced photoreceptor segment thinning and accentuated OIR-induced inner and outer retinal functional deficits. Mechanistically we demonstrated that local CSF1R inhibition during ischemic retinopathy reduced the number of microglial cells, inhibited revascularization, and exacerbated pathological neovascularization, recapitulating the effects of CIH. Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which sleep apnea and CIH aggravate ischemic retinopathies, underscoring the importance of treating apnea in DR and ROP to help prevent sight threatening severe disease.

New Insights of Cardiac Arrhythmias Associated with Sleep-Disordered Breathing: From Mechanisms to Clinical Implications-A Narrative Review

Although most research has concentrated on the link between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also associated with ventricular arrhythmias. These cardiac arrhythmias can be triggered by repeated episodes of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, acidosis, intrathoracic pressure fluctuations, reoxygenation, and other mechanisms that occur during apnea and hypopnea. Studies show that OSA reduces the effectiveness of arrhythmia treatments, such as antiarrhythmic medications and radiofrequency current ablation. Several non-randomized studies indicate that treating sleep apnea syndrome with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help maintain sinus rhythm following electrical cardioversion and increase the success rates of catheter ablation. This review aims to thoroughly examine the role of OSA in the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Screening for OSA and arrhythmias in patients with OSA provides vital information on the need for additional interventions, such as CPAP therapy, anticoagulation, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, catheter ablation for specific arrhythmias, or device therapy. New therapies for OSA treatment have the potential to significantly influence arrhythmia development in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. However, further research is required to validate these findings and formulate comprehensive treatment protocols.