Abstract

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder with significant public health implications, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and neurocognitive impairments. Despite its high prevalence, OSA remains underdiagnosed, often requiring clinical assessment and anthropometric measurements as effective screening tools. This study aims to investigate the profile of OSA patients attending a sleep clinic in a tertiary care center in eastern India. Methods: This cross-sectional study with interventional component was conducted between January 2016 and December 2017 at the Department of Physiology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, and the Department of Sleep Medicine, Tata Mains Hospital, Jamshedpur. One hundred consecutive patients (aged 25–70 years) with clinical symptoms suggestive of OSA underwent overnight PSG. Demographic, anthropometric (BMI, neck circumference, waist circumference), and clinical data were collected. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). OSA was classified based on Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). For patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was evaluated using a split-night protocol. Results: The mean age was 46.1 ± 8.8 years; 67% were male. Comorbidities included Type 2 diabetes (49%), hypertension (21%), and hypothyroidism (19%). Snoring (75%), witnessed apneas (58%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥10: 83%) were common. Anthropometric indices (BMI, neck and waist circumference) showed significant positive correlation with AHI severity (p<0.001). CPAP therapy in 68 moderate-to-severe patients significantly improved mean oxygen saturation (78.6% → 93.0%, p<0.001) and reduced apnea episodes (25.7 → 5.4, p<0.001). Severe OSA was present in 23% of the cohort. Conclusion: OSA is highly prevalent in patients with comorbidities like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. Anthropometric measurements such as BMI, waist, and neck circumference are useful predictors of OSA severity. CPAP therapy was highly effective in improving oxygen saturation and reducing apnea episodes. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to managing the condition and preventing associated complications.

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