Clinical characteristics and treatment preferences of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

This study examines the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment preferences of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to guide personalized treatment strategies. A cross-sectional analysis of 377 patients who underwent polysomnography was conducted, categorizing participants into three groups based on their chief complaints: sleepiness, disturbed sleep, and asymptomatic with comorbidities. Key factors such as body mass index (BMI), comorbid conditions, oxygen saturation levels, and sleep fragmentation influenced treatment choices. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was the most preferred treatment, particularly among patients with high BMI, cardiovascular comorbidities, and severe OSA (Apnea Hypopnea Index [AHI] > 30 events per hour). Patients with excessive daytime sleepiness favored CPAP due to lower oxygen saturation levels, while those with disturbed sleep were influenced by high sleep fragmentation. Individuals with metabolic syndrome showed mixed treatment preferences, with a small proportion opting for bariatric or upper airway surgery. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring OSA treatments based on patient phenotypes to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life.