Obstructive sleep apnea and bone mineral density in obese patients

Abstract

Context

Obesity and its co-morbidities may adversely affect bone mineral density (BMD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major complication of obesity. To date, the effects of OSA on BMD in obese patients have been poorly studied.

Objective

To examine whether the severity of OSA independently correlates with BMD in obese patients.

Methods

One hundred and fifteen obese subjects with OSA (Apnea/Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥5 events per hour) were included in the study. BMD was measured at lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body mass index, lean mass, and representative measures of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and inflammation (ESR, CRP, fibrinogen) were also evaluated.

Results

BMD did not differ among obese individuals regardless of OSA severity. Correlation coefficient analysis for all the covariates showed a lack of association between AHI and BMD that was strongly influenced by age and weight.

Conclusion

Our study does not support an independent association between AHI and BMD in obese patients. Controlled studies involving a greater number of patients are warranted.

Keywords:

• obesity
• polysomnography
• metabolic syndrome

Acknowledgment

This study was funded by the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. The funding source had no role in study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; or the writing of the report and the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in this work.