Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Effect of Treatment With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Auto-CPAP) on Metabolic Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which there is collapse of the upper airway during sleep, as a result of which there is a decrease or complete cessation of airflow. This leads to repeated episodes of hypoxia during sleep and sleep fragmentation. OSA is a highly prevalent though under-recognized clinical problem. The Wisconsin study estimated a prevalence of 24% in males and 9% in females. A population-based study in Delhi, India found the prevalence of OSA to be 13.7% and that of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) to be 3.8%.

OSA is associated with various systemic complications such as neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. There is an increased risk of motor vehicle and occupational accidents in people suffering from OSAS.

Metabolic syndrome is the co-occurrence of several cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia. Presence of OSA together with metabolic syndrome is known as 'Syndrome Z'. Although many studies have shown that OSA is associated with metabolic syndrome, the exact causal relationship between these two entities is not proven.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for OSA with significant symptoms. However, it is a costly treatment option, and poor compliance is an important limiting factor. CPAP treatment has been shown to improve the daytime somnolence and neurocognitive function in people with OSAS. However, its effect on metabolic syndrome in people with OSAS is unclear.

This study aims to assess the effect of CPAP treatment on metabolic syndrome in patients with OSAS.