Anthropometric Factors in the Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are related to a higher incidence of cardio-vascular diseases and mortality in patients. The aim of the study was to define the potential use of anthropometric factors for the evaluation of OSA risk in patients with diagnosed MetS. The patient group consisted of 50 obese men with MetS (mean age 49 +/- 9 years). The following anthropometric indices were assessed: body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). In addition, blood glucose and lipid profile were investigated. On the basis of polysomnography, clinical symptoms, and Epworth Sleep Scale, patients were stratified into the OSA group accompanied by MetS (n = 31) and the MetS alone group taken as control (n = 19). OSA was evaluated as severe in 26 out of the 31 patients (>30 apneic episodes per hour). We found a significantly larger NC in the OSA with MetS group then that in the MetS alone group. Further, NC associated with the increase in the apnea/hypopnea index. However, the other anthropometric indices investigated failed to differentiate the two groups. We conclude that increased neck circumference in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for the development of OSA.