Publication:

Etiology of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Background The aims of the study were to evaluate the various etiological factors of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and to make recommendations based on study findings.

Methods The study group consists of 60 patients who are diagnosed clinically and polysomnographically to have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome at ENT and Pulmonary Medicine outpatient departments.

Results Most cases of severe OSA were in age group of 21-40 (47.8%). No significant association was observed between age distribution and severity of OSA (p=0.295). A significant association was observed between obesity and increasing severity of OSA (p 0.05).

Conclusions Certain naso-oro-pharyngeal parameters were found to be significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome viz. enlarged adenoids, bulky tongue, greater neck circumference and narrow oropharyngeal inlet. Patients with these features should further be investigated with CPAP titration polysomnography and surgical intervention.