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To the Editor: The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for arterial cardiovascular events,¹ perhaps due to thrombophilic coagulation abnormalities that are promoted by recurrent episodes of hypoxemia.² We performed a clinical study to assess a possible association between OSAS and venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

Over 8 months, all patients cared for in our medical service with documented pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were offered overnight in-hospital polysomnography performed and interpreted using standard criteria.³ Sixty-eight of 72 eligible patients (58 with PE and 10 with DVT) agreed to participate (34 inpatients, 34 outpatients). A sleep-disordered breathing—oriented questionnaire and the Epworth sleepiness scale were also administered.

Results
Forty-three patients (63%) had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 15, indicating moderate-to-severe OSAS. The AHI was elevated, between 5 and 15, in an additional 13 patients. Neither central sleep apnea nor periodic breathing were observed in any . . . [Full Text of this Article]

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Cardiovascular Consequences of Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Past, Present and Future: Report of a Workshop From the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Quan and Gersh
Circulation 2004;109:951-957.
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