The Triad Nocturia, Smoking and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a consequence of the intermittent hypoxia is nocturia. The frequency of nocturia related OSA is increased because many pathological pathways are present simultaneously. The aim was to assess the prevalence of nocturia among OSA patients and to identify the relationship with OSA and its comorbidities. A transversal study determining the prevalence of OSA's comorbidities and nocturia related OSA and smoking was assessed, from 2011 to 2015, in 2 Romanian centres of Somnology, in Constanta county. All patients suspected of sleep breathing disorders were investigated by polygraphy and all patients diagnosed with OSA were recruited. Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed, including the onset of nocturia. The comparison between groups with and without nocturia was performed using SPSS software, using Anova for numerical outcomes and chi(2) test for the categorical ones. Nocturia was highly prevalent (62.75 %) among 204 OSA patients, especially in elderly (p < 0.00001). High blood pressure (hypertension), obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking exposure were more frequently reported in the OSA patients presenting nocturia (p<0.05). Type 2 diabetes and cardiac failure were also frequent, but did not reach a significant threshold of 95%. In conclusion, the nocturia is a frequent symptom and it is influenced by the OSA severity and comorbidities as hypertension and COPD. A further multidisciplinary approach in these patients is justified, especially in smokers.