Evaluation of thyroid functions and obesity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with many chronic diseases. METHODS: Obesity and thyroid function tests were evaluated retrospectively and cross-sectionally for 782 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 49.3 +/- 11.5 years, and the majority were obese (67.9%) or overweight (26.6%). The mean age of the patients in Group 2 (moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) was higher than that of Group 1 (simple snoring/mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome). The rate of severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among obese patients (35.2%) was significantly higher than that of normal-weight (11.6%) and overweight (18.3%) patients (p=0.001). The oxygen desaturation index/apnea-hypopnea index and levels of leukocytes and C-reactive protein were significantly higher, while mean/minimum saturation values and hemoglobin, hematocrit, and free triiodothyronine levels were significantly lower among obese patients compared with overweight and normal-weight patients (p=0.001). Leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and apnea-hypopnea index/ oxygen desaturation index values were higher, and mean/minimum saturation values were lower in Group 2 than in Group 1. CONCLUSION: There were relationships between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity and body mass index. Obesity could be a critical predisposing factor for sleep disturbances. The prevention and control of obesity is important while being treated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.