Tidal Expiratory Flow Limitation Can’t Predict Sleep Disorders in Elderly

Sleep related disorders (SRD) represent an important health burden and their prevalence increases with age.

In patients with snoring or sleepiness, the presence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) using the Negative Expiratory Pressure (NEP) method is related to the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI). In this study we examined whether EFL can be used to predict the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in healthy asymptomatic older subjects.

A group of 72-year old subjects (n=448, 44% males) with a mean BMI of 25.5±3.8 kg·m^-2 were examined. All subjects underwent spirometry, NEP (-5 cmH₂O, sitting position) and ventilatory polygraphy (VP).

Spirometry was within normal values in 88% of the group and EFL was present in 143 (32%) subjects with a higher prevalence in females (89/249 vs 54/199 in females and males respectively). VP showed an AHI<15/hours in 238 subjects (53%) and OSAS with an AHI15/h in 47%. EFL was found in 15% of subjects with OSAS. Consequently, EFL had low sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of OSAS (31.4% and 67.7%, respectively).

The researchers concluded that the prevalence of expiratory flow limitation is elevated in healthy older subjects and cannot be used to predict the presence of sleep related disorders in an older population.

Tagged with: Age • AHI • airflow limitation • Apnea Hypopnea Index • expiratory flow limitation • Obstructive Sleep Apnea • obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome • obstructive sleep apnoea • OSAS • Sleep Apnea • Sleep Apnea Disorders • Sleep Disorders • Sleep Related Disorders • Sleepiness • Snoring

Filed under: Obstructive Sleep Apnea • Sleep • Sleep Apnea • Sleep Apnea Diagnosis • Sleep Apnea News • Sleep Apnea Research • Sleep Apnea Study • Sleep Apnea Test • Sleep Disordered Breathing • Sleep Study • Snoring

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