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- Title
Obstructive sleep apnea in head and neck cancer survivors.
- Authors
Saesen, Kelly; van der Veen, Julie; Buyse, Bertien; Nuyts, Sandra
- Abstract
Importance: Chronic fatigue is present in 33.0% of all head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors; this impacts their quality of life negatively. A plausible cause is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after HNC treatment. However, studies regarding this topic are scarce. Objective: To confirm if OSA is more prevalent after receiving radiotherapy for HNC. In addition, investigation of the risk factors for developing OSA in this population. Design: A retrospective review of prospective data. Methods: Treatment for HNC took place between 2016 and 2017 at the University Hospital of Leuven. One hundred sixty-four patients were eligible for participating in this study. Sixty-five responded (39.4%). Upon consulting their medical files, 15 patients were excluded based on the in- and exclusion criteria. Presence of OSA was estimated using standardized questionnaires, namely the Berlin Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the CIS-20. This was compared to the proportion of OSA in the general population. Results: Fifty patients (33 men, 17 women) with a mean age of 64.2 years (range 32–88) were included. Based on the questionnaires, OSA was suspected in twenty. The prevalence of suspected OSA in our study group (40.0%) was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) than our estimated prevalence of OSA in the general population (10.9%). No significant risk factors could be identified. Conclusion: Patients treated for HNC are at risk of developing OSA. When complaints of fatigue and sleeping problems persist, referral to a sleep clinic is suggested. Further investigation remains necessary to identify potential risk factors along with prevention and treatment strategies.
- Subjects
UNIVERSITY of Colorado Hospital; HEAD &; neck cancer; SLEEP apnea syndromes; CANCER survivors; EPWORTH Sleepiness Scale; UNIVERSITY hospitals
- Publication
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2021, Vol 29, Issue 1, p279
- ISSN
0941-4355
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00520-020-05428-7