Implications of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

<bold>Background:</bold> Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), with evidence suggesting a bidirectional relationship. This study aimed to compare clinical and paraclinical characteristics between OSAS patients with and without GERD. <bold>Methods:</bold> We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OSAS between 2018 and 2023. The presence of OSAS was determined based on an apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI)≥5/h. Patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 patients with GERD (n=191) and Group 2 patients without GERD (n=256). <bold>Results:</bold> Patients in Group 1 were younger (53.37±11.7 vs. 55.95±11.7 years, p=0.02). The male-to-female ratio was similar in the two groups (p=0.05). Thyroid disorders were more frequent in Group 1 than in Group 2 (13.6 vs. 6.7%, p=0.01), whereas no significant differences were observed for asthma (p=0.09), hypertension (p=0.6), or coronary artery disease (p=0.7). The abdominal circumference was greater in Group 1 (120.29±13.3 vs. 115.13±14.19 cm, p<0.001). Cervical circumference (p=0.7) and body mass index (p=0.8) were similar in both groups. OSAS-related symptoms were more prevalent in Group 1: snoring (97.9 vs. 91.4%, p=0.004), excessive daytime sleepiness (85.9 vs. 67.7%, p<0.001), morning fatigue (82.1 vs. 65.4%, p<0.001) and headaches (71.7 vs. 54.1%, p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the AHI between the two groups (30.16±20 vs. 30.44±22/h, p=0.88). <bold>Conclusion :</bold> Patients OSAS and GERD tend to be younger and exhibit more pronounced OSAS symptoms. However, the presence of GERD does not exacerbate the severity of OSA.