Work

Clinico-anthropometric, thyroid profile, haematological/biochemical parameters and chest radiographic correlates of apnea–hypopnea index in patients undergoing level III sleep study: A retrospective observational study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly recognized sleep-disordered breathing condition associated with significant cardiometabolic morbidity. Despite a growing burden in the Indian population, studies comprehensively evaluating clinical, anthropometric, endocrine, biochemical, and radiological correlates of OSA severity are sparse, particularly in military cohorts.Objectives: To identify clinical, anthropometric, endocrine, biochemical, and plain chest radiographic predictors associated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) severity in patients undergoing Level III (portable) sleep study.Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary Armed Forces Medical Facility. One hundred patients referred with clinical suspicion of OSA underwent Level III ambulatory sleep study. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, weight, neck circumference [NC], waist circumference [WC]), sleep questionnaires (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH), HbA1c, two-dimensional echocardiography, ECG, spirometry, and plain chest radiography were recorded. OSA severity was classified per AASM guidelines. Spearman rank correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square analyses were performed.Results: Mean age 52.8 ± 14.7 years; 66% male. AHI ranged 0.5 – 115.7 (mean 26.3±23.5 events/h). Severe OSA 35%, moderate 21%, mild 35%, normal 9%. NC (r = 0.412, p < 0.001), CTR (r = 0.384, p < 0.001), and echo PAP (r = 0.431, p < 0.001) correlated significantly with AHI. SpO₂ nadir was the strongest predictor (r = −0.618, p < 0.001). Cardiomegaly in 54.3% of severe OSA patients. No significant TSH-AHI correlation.Conclusions: BMI, NC, WC, and chest radiographic parameters are significant correlates of OSA severity. SpO₂ nadir is the strongest predictor of AHI. Thyroid dysfunction warrants screening in severe OSA. Chest radiography reflects cardiorespiratory burden in OSA.

Source: Panacea Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.18231/j.pjms.17690.1786173307

Authors: Gaurav Mishra, Neha Kakria, Navriti Sharma, Dolly Ahir

Institution: Armed Forces Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $48