Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for silent cerebral infarction.

Cho, Eo Rin; Kim, Hyun; Seo, Hyung Suk; Suh, Sooyeon; Lee, Seung Ku; Shin, Chol

Previous studies have suggested that obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA) may be a risk factor for stroke. In this study, we assessed that OSA is an independent risk factor of silent cerebral infarction ( SCI) in the general population, and in a non-obese population. This study recruited a total of 746 participants (252 men and 494 women) aged 50-79 years as part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study ( Ko GES); they underwent polysomnography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and health screening examinations. SCI was assessed by subtypes and brain regions, and lacunar infarction represented lesions <15 mm in size in the penetrating arteries. Moderate-severe OSA was determined by apnea-hypopnea index ≥15. The results indicated that 12.06% had moderate-severe OSA, 7.64% of participants had SCI and 4.96% had lacunar infarction. Moderate-severe OSA was associated positively with SCI [odds ratio ( OR): 2.44, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.03-5.80] and lacunar infarction ( OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.31-9.23) in the age ≥65-year group compared with those with non- OSA. Additionally, in the basal ganglia, OSA was associated with an increase in the odds for SCI and lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65-year age group. In the non-obese participants, OSA was also associated positively with SCI in the ≥65-year age group, lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65-year age group. There was also a positive association with the basal ganglia. Moderate-severe OSA was associated positively with SCI and lacunar infarction in elderly participants. Treatment of OSA may reduce new first-time cerebrovascular events and recurrences.

HEALTH of older people; SLEEP apnea syndromes; CEREBROVASCULAR disease; SLEEP disorder diagnosis; INFECTIOUS disease transmission

Journal of Sleep Research, 2013, Vol 22, Issue 4, p452

0962-1105

Academic Journal

10.1111/jsr.12034