Objective: To identify risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in female patients, and assess its treatment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients.
Methods: One hundred and ninety three female patients undergoing polysomnography whith sleep breath disorders were recruited and divided into non-OSAHS group and OSAHS group. Age, body mass index (BMI), and prevalence of menopause and hypertension were compared between the two groups. The associations of those variables with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO2) were analysed. The treatment of OSAHS and its impact on HRQoL assessed by the Calgary quality of life index (SAQLI) were evaluated.
Results: The OSAHS group had greater mean age, BMI, and prevalence of menopause and hypertension than the non-OSAHS group (P<0.05). Those variables were significantly correlated with AHI and LSpO2 (P<0.05). Weight control and positional therapy were the most common treatment for sleep breath disorders. Weight loss and continuous positive airway pressure improved the Epworth sleep scale (ESS) of the patients with OSAHS significantly (P<0.05). But positional therapy made no difference (P>0.05). The ESS of the 32.5% of patients who did not undergo any treatment was worsened during the same period of time (P<0.05). No differences were found in the scores of the four domains of SAQLI between the two groups (P>0.05). The stepwise multiple regression analysis identified Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), ESS and AHI as independent predictors for the total score of SAQLI (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Older age, greater BMI, menopause and hypertension are risk factors of OSAHS in female patients. OSAHS was not well managed in female patients. PSQI, ESS and AHI can be used as predictors for HRQoL.