Open AccessPrevalence of Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Japanese Patients with Persistent Fatigue
Author(s) -
Ishimaru Naoto,
Maeno Takami,
Suzuki Masatsune,
Maeno Tetsuhiro
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
general medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1883-6011
pISSN - 1346-0072
DOI - 10.14442/general.13.103
Subject(s) - medicine , blood pressure , pulse oximetry , sleep apnea , cardiology , observational study , cross sectional study , pulse pressure , physical therapy , pediatrics , anesthesia , pathology
Background Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a common medical condition with significant adverse effects; however, it remains undiagnosed in many individuals. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of SAS in fatigued subjects and to elucidate the factors associated with SAS. Methods From March 2008 to March 2011, a cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted in patients with persistent (≥1 month) fatigue. Patients with known causes of persistent fatigue were excluded. Data on patient characteristics (e. g., blood pressure, neck circumference, etc.) and overnight pulse oximetry were collected. SAS was defined as a 3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of 15 or more. Results Among 46 subjects, the prevalence of SAS was 6.5% (95% CI, 1.4–17.9%). SAS was significantly more prevalent in patients with high systolic blood pressure (≥140 mmHg) than in patients with normal systolic blood pressure (<140 mmHg) (33.3% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.049). Even after adjustment for age and sex, high systolic blood pressure showed a statistically significant association with SAS. Conclusions Promoting awareness about SAS could be necessary in patients with persistent fatigue, especially in patients with high systolic blood pressure.