Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2790

Introduction: Hypothyroidism increases the risk of OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder with varied etiology and can affect a large population. OSA is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. The presence of hypothyroidism has been linked to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. This cross-sectional study aimed to predict the risk of OSA in clinical hypothyroid subjects based on STOP-BANG score which is a reliable marker for OSA risk prediction and to study the independent effect of hypothyroidism on the risk of OSA by comparing the STOP-BANG score in age, sex, body mass index (BMI) matched non-hypothyroid subjects.

Methodology: Study group included consecutive clinical hypothyroid patients (cases) and age, sex, BMI-matched non-hypothyroid subjects (controls) presenting to the out-patient department and admitted in General Medicine wards of a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi, India. Sample size for the study was 150 which included 75 cases and 75 controls. Clinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed on the basis of thyroid function tests (both newly diagnosed and on treatment). All patients were evaluated for their STOP-BANG score and risk stratification for OSA done.

Results: Among hypothyroid participants, 48.0% were classified as having low risk of OSA, 45.3% as having moderate risk, and 6.7% as having high risk based on the STOP-BANG score. The risk of OSA increased with age and higher TSH levels. Importantly, the association of hypothyroidism and risk of OSA was statistically significant in patients with a higher BMI, presence of co-morbidities (diabetes and hypertension), and dyslipidemia (Total Cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein).

Conclusion: Uncontrolled hypothyroidism has the potential to increase the risk of OSA. Screening for OSA in hypothyroidism should be prioritized in individuals with a history suggestive of sleep apnea, higher BMI, dyslipidemia, and comorbidities.