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Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for silent cerebral infarction
Author(s) -
Cho Eo Rin,
Kim Hyun,
Seo Hyung Suk,
Suh Sooyeon,
Lee Seung Ku,
Shin Chol
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of sleep research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.297
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2869
pISSN - 0962-1105
DOI - 10.1111/jsr.12034
Subject(s) - medicine , obstructive sleep apnea , odds ratio , risk factor , polysomnography , stroke (engine) , population , cerebral infarction , confidence interval , cardiology , infarction , physical therapy , apnea , myocardial infarction , ischemia , mechanical engineering , environmental health , engineering
Summary Previous studies have suggested that obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) may be a risk factor for stroke. In this study, we assessed that OSA is an independent risk factor of silent cerebral infarction ( SCI ) in the general population, and in a non‐obese population. This study recruited a total of 746 participants (252 men and 494 women) aged 50–79 years as part of the K orean Genome and Epidemiology Study ( K o GES ); they underwent polysomnography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and health screening examinations. SCI was assessed by subtypes and brain regions, and lacunar infarction represented lesions <15 mm in size in the penetrating arteries. Moderate–severe OSA was determined by apnea–hypopnea index ≥15. The results indicated that 12.06% had moderate–severe OSA , 7.64% of participants had SCI and 4.96% had lacunar infarction. Moderate–severe OSA was associated positively with SCI [odds ratio ( OR ): 2.44, 95% confidence interval ( CI ): 1.03–5.80] and lacunar infarction ( OR : 3.48, 95% CI : 1.31–9.23) in the age ≥65‐year group compared with those with non‐ OSA . Additionally, in the basal ganglia, OSA was associated with an increase in the odds for SCI and lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65‐year age group. In the non‐obese participants, OSA was also associated positively with SCI in the ≥65‐year age group, lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65‐year age group. There was also a positive association with the basal ganglia. Moderate–severe OSA was associated positively with SCI and lacunar infarction in elderly participants. Treatment of OSA may reduce new first‐time cerebrovascular events and recurrences.