title: Gender-related differences in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
abstract: The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological studies suggest a two-fold higher prevalence of OSAS in men than in women. Differences in pharyngeal collapsibility and central respiratory drive may play a significant role in the gender-specific pathogenesis. Compared with their male counterparts, female patients experience OSAS at an older age (postmenopausal) and with higher body-mass-index. Female OSAS patients furthermore more frequently report atypical symptoms, such as insomnia, depression, and/or restless legs, and thus are less likely to be referred for the evaluation of sleep disordered breathing. Knowledge about these distinct gender-related differences in clinical features of OSAS may contribute to an increased awareness, improved diagnosis and its therapeutic consequences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for COPD and Respiratory Epidemiology, Otto-Wagner-Hospital, Vienna, Austria. arschang.valipour@wienkav.at
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valipour
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*