Nonobese Patients With Obstrutive Sleep Apnea (OSA):A Challenging Group

Abstract

Introduction: OSA is an underdiagnosed disorder that hinders quality of life (QoL). There9s lack of knowledge on physiopathology and therapy effectiveness in nonobese patients(NOP). Objectives: Compare OSA’s symptoms and severity, problems with CPAP adherence, effectiveness of therapy, comorbidities and QoL between NOP and obese patients (OP). Methods: Retrospective study of patients who attended respiratory sleep medical appointments in a central hospital. Data on patients’ demographics, comorbidities and therapy effectiveness were collected from clinical records. Problems with CPAP adherence and QoL were evaluated through phone interview. Differences between OP(BMI=30kg/m2) and NOP were compared. Results: Sample of 117patients (62%males, mean age 64y), 67%OP. The majority of OP and NOP had moderate-severe OSA(73%vs66% respectively, p=0.47) and cardiovascular comorbidities (86%OP had=2comorbitidies vs 69%NOP, p=0.03).NOP used more hypnotic drugs (44%vs 26%OP, p=0.04), were less compliant to CPAP therapy(>70% days of use>4h:47%vs 56%, p=0.3) and had higher residual AHI with CPAP(residual AHI Conclusion: NOP with OSA are challenging to treat:they have similar severity, morbidity and less compliance to therapy than OP. Promotion of CPAP adherence and alternative therapies are crucial once QoL improves with OSA treatment.