Evolution of sleep apnea syndrome in sleepy snorers: a population-based prospective study.
This study followed a small number of men previously studied polysomnographically 10 yr earlier to investigate the relationship between the development of sleep-disordered breathing and age, weight gain, and smoking. In 1984, 3,201 men answered a questionnaire including questions about snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Of those reporting symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), a random sample of 61 men was investigated using whole-night polysomnography in 1985. Ten years later, 38 men participated in the present follow-up, which included a structured interview and polysomnography. During the 10-yr period, nine men had been treated for OSAS. Of the 29 untreated subjects, the number of men with OSAS, defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of >/= 5/h, increased from four in 1985 to 13 in 1995 (p < 0.01). In this small sample, no significant associations were found between DeltaAHI (i.e., AHI 1995 - AHI 1985) and age, weight gain, or smoking. We conclude that, among this small group of individuals who were selected for original polysomnographic study and follow-up because they were thought to have symptoms of sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing became significantly worse over time.
Lindberg
E
E
Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, and Sleep Disorder Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
Elmasry
A
A
Gislason
T
T
Janson
C
C
Bengtsson
H
H
Hetta
J
J
Nettelbladt
M
M
Boman
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011379:Prognosis; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology*; D012913:Snoring / Q000150:complications*