Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movements and Related Factors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by nocturnal repetitive apnea episodes. Periodic limb movements (PLMs) is nocturnal, stereotypic, repetitive movements of the lower extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of periodic limb movements in OSAS patients and correlation of PLM with OSAS severity. METHODS: One hundred and forty one OSAS suspected patients was enrolled into the study. All subjects’ blood pressure, heart rate measurements and neurologic examinations were made by the same neurologist. Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. One night polysomnography (PSG) was performed to all patients and results were analyzed. Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥ 5 subjects were accepted as OSAS, and PLM Index (PLMI) ≥ 5 subjects were accepted as having PLM. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients were diagnosed as OSAS. The control group consisted of 39 patients who had normal polysomnographic findings. OSAS patients’ were older and body mass index (BMI) were higher than the control group. Systolic blood pressure was higher in OSAS group. Alcohol use was determined as a risk factor for OSAS. PLM were more common in OSAS group than the control group (% 30,3 - % 10,2). PLM frequency was associated with the severity of OSAS. CONCLUSION: In OSAS patients presence of PLM was related with OSAS severity, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and REM sleep depletion. PLM in OSAS patients could be regarded as an indicator of disease severity and also could aware clinician for increased complication rates.

Keywords

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
• Periodic limb movements
• polysomnography