Evaluating the Relationship of Airflow Obstruction in COPD with Severity of OSA Among Patients with Overlap Syndrome

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2022 Jul 14:17:1613-1621. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S355897. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common diseases affecting millions worldwide. These two diseases have a complex relationship that is not well understood. Previous small studies suggest an inverse relationship of disease severity of OSA with COPD airflow obstruction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between severity of airflow obstruction in COPD and severity of OSA via apnea hypopnea index obtained during an in-lab baseline polysomnogram using a large quaternary care center cohort.

Methods: From November 2015 through December 2018, 273 patients with confirmed COPD via spirometry and OSA via in-lab baseline polysomnogram were included.

Conclusion: No associations were noted between severity of airflow obstruction in COPD and disease severity of OSA. Given the heterogeneity of these diseases, further exploration of a relationship within disease subtypes is warranted.

Keywords: airflow obstruction; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; obstructive sleep apnea.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Polysomnography
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / complications
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / epidemiology
  • Spirometry
  • Syndrome

Grants and funding

There is no funding to report.