Association between Anthropometric Indices and OSA: A Hospital-based Study

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an important risk factor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that OSA and obesity are strongly associated, few studies have examined the associations between anthropometric obesity indices and OSA, especially in the South Indian population. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of anthropometric obesity indices on OSA in an Indian population. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric indices, such as neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI), were assessed in 50 subjects with suspected OSA. Results: Of the 50 subjects assessed, 39 (78%) were diagnosed with OSA, and 11 (22%) had no OSA. Of these, 37 (74%) were males and 13 (26%) were females. Patients with OSA had a significantly higher age, BMI, WC, and NC than patients without OSA. The mean cut-off values of NC, WC, and BMI in males were 39, 93.8, and 29.8 respectively. The mean cut-off values of NC, WC, and BMI in females were 39.3, 96.5, and 30 respectively. Conclusion: Increased anthropometric indices were significantly associated with the presence and severity of OSA in the Indian population. This study also demonstrated the mean cut-off values for increased OSA risk for body mass index, waist circumference, and neck circumference. When the means of different variables are compared with three degrees of severity of OSA it was observed that BMI and NC had a significant difference while WC had no significant difference based on severity.