Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): Men vs Women

Intoduction: Untreated OSA increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart failure, diabetes and road traffic accidents. Under-diagnosis contributes to morbidity and increased health care utilisation and costs. Previous studies show the prevalence of OSA (AHI≥15) at 49.7% in males (M) & 23.4% in females (F) (M:F 2.12) [Heinzer R et al. Lancet Respir Med 2015; 3:310-8]. Another study found prevalence by age at M: 10%; F: 3% (M: F 3.33) [30-49yrs]; M: 17%; F: 9% (M: F 1.89) [50-70yrs] [Punjabi NM. Proc Am Thorac Soc 2008; 5: 136-143]. Generally, the index of suspicion for OSA is lower in females than males leading to under-recognition & specialist referral. We reviewed our local sleep referrals to see if this is reflected in our population Method: We reviewed GP referrals between 1st August -31st September 2015 with a final diagnosis of moderate & severe OSA (AHI≥15). We analysed results by age and gender Results: Conclusion: Women had higher BMIs, ESS and lower AHIs than men. M: F ratio with AHI>15 was 2.54 which shows that fewer women than expected are being referred. Our M: F ratio of 2.10 in over 50’s reflects the known higher incidence of OSA in post-menopausal women, but remains below that expected from population studies. Thus more awareness is needed locally to improve recognition of OSA in our female population.