The Ventilatory and Diffusion Dysfunctions in Obese Patients with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

Abstract EN

Objective.

To analyze the ventilatory and alveolar-capillary diffusion dysfunctions in case of obesity with or without an OSAS.

Methods.

It is a cross-sectional study of 48 obese adults (23 OSAS and 25 controls).

Anthropometric data (height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)) were collected.

All adults responded to a medical questionnaire and underwent polysomnography or sleep polygraphy for apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and percentage of desaturation measurements.

The following lung function data were collected: pulmonary flows and volumes, lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

Results.

Obesity was confirmed for the two groups with a total sample mean value of BMI = 35.06 ± 4.68 kg/m2.

A significant decrease in lung function was noted in patients with OSAS compared with controls.

Indeed, when compared with the control group, the OSAS one had a severe restrictive ventilatory defect (total lung capacity: 93 ± 14 vs.

79 ± 12%), an abnormal DLCO (112 ± 20 vs.

93 ± 22%), and higher bronchial inflammation (18.40 ± 9.20 vs.

31.30 ± 13.60 ppb) (p<0.05).

Conclusion.

Obesity when associated with OSAS increases the severity of pulmonary function and alveolar-capillary diffusion alteration.

This can be explained in part by the alveolar inflammation.