Obstructive sleep apnea was identified in 61.9% of COPD patients, with 33.7% having moderate-to-severe OSA, leading to increased exacerbations and hospitalizations.
Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent (61.9%) in stable COPD patients, particularly those who are obese, and is associated with worse clinical outcomes including pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently coexist as overlap syndrome a condition associated with severe nocturnal hypoxemia, increased exacerbations, higher cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical impact, overlap syndrome remains underrecognized due to overlapping symptoms and limited routine screening. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of OSA in COPD patients and assess its association with disease severity, exacerbations, hospitalizations and cardiopulmonary outcomes. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from September to November 2025. A total of 160 stable COPD patients were enrolled and classified into obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²; n=80) and non-obese (BMI ≤29.9 kg/m²; n=80) groups. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, spirometry, validated questionnaires, echocardiography and overnight polysomnography. OSA was diagnosed using the apnea–hypopnea index. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests, correlation, and multivariate regression. Results: OSA was identified in 61.9% of patients with moderate-to-severe OSA in 33.7%. Obese patients had significantly higher neck circumference, sleepiness scores and apnea -hypopnea index (p<0.001). OSA was associated with increased exacerbations, hospitalizations, pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction. Apnea - hypopnea index correlated positively with body mass index and daytime sleepiness and negatively with FEV₁. Obesity, increased neck circumference, excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced lung function independently predicted moderate-to-severe OSA. Conclusion: OSA is highly prevalent in COPD, particularly among obese patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Early screening may improve diagnosis and management of overlap syndrome.
Kumar et al. (Mon,) reported a other. Obstructive sleep apnea was identified in 61.9% of COPD patients, with 33.7% having moderate-to-severe OSA, leading to increased exacerbations and hospitalizations.