Metabolic and nutritional status as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective To compare metabolic and nutritional profiles with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods This cross-sectional study included male and female adults and older adults treated at the Sleep and Heart Laboratory of Pernambuco Cardiologic Emergency Medical Services between June and September 2014. Patients underwent polysomnography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and anthropometric measurements. Presence of the metabolic syndrome and other morbidities was investigated. Results The sample consisted of 50 patients with a mean age of 57.52 +/- 9.80 years, of which 94% were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and 74% had the metabolic syndrome. Other mean sample characteristics were: body mass index (31.54 +/- 5.82 kg/m(2)); neck circumference (39.14 +/- 4.33 cm); waist circumference (106.72 +/- 22.11 cm); sagittal abdominal diameter (23.00 cm [21.00-24.00]). Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had higher body mass index, waist circumference, and sagittal abdominal diameter (p<0.05) than those with mild condition. Sagittal abdominal diameter was correlated moderately with the apnea-hypopnea index and mildly with body fat. Conclusion Obesity, neck circumference, and the metabolic syndrome had a positive association with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity. Of the study anthropometric parameters, sagittal abdominal diameter was the most suitable predictor of presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.