[Characteristics of the sleep apnea syndrome in the aged].
OBJECTIVE
To study the characteristics of the sleep apnea syndrome in the aged.


METHODS
Forty-two males who were suspicious of the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) were detected with 7-hour polysomnography (PSG).


RESULTS
The body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference showed no significant difference in the aged and middle aged groups. The apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and microarousal index (MAI) were significantly lower, and the minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2) significantly higher in the aged than those in the middle aged (P < 0.05). Age was negatively correlated to AHI (r = -0.329, P < 0.05). The BMI and neck circumference were positively correlated to AHI (r = 0.326, P < 0.05; r = 0.306, P < 0.05, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
SAS patients are less severe in the aged excluding the affection of the BMI and neck circumference.
Luo
Ying-quan
YQ
Department of Geriatrics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Yang
Yu
Y
Huang
Xiao-jian
XJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*