Clinical and polysomnographic differences among the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients from different ages

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) has cardiovascular and cognitive repercussions that differ according to age. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate clinical and polysomnographic differences among three different age groups of patients with OSAS. Methods: We studied 130 adult patients with OSAS. The study protocol consisted on questionnaires, a physical examination, and polysomnography. Patients were distributed into three age groups: below 35 years-old (Group A), 35 to 65 years-old (Group B), and above 65 years-old (Group C). Results: Group A had 22 (16.9%) patients, B had 92 (70.7%), and C had 16 (12.3%). Systemic arterial hypertension (p=0.01) and cardiopathy (p=0.02) were significantly more frequent in Group C, while smoking (p=0.04) was more frequent in Group A. There were no differences between groups on polysomnography measures or Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores. Upon physical examination, there were significantly more posterior soft palate (p=0.004) and a greater use of dental prosthesis in Group C (p=0.03), along with a greater number of hypertrofic palatine tonsils in Group A (p=0.01). Conclusion: Most OSAS patients were in the 35 to 65 years-old age range. Clinical findings show that the disease may have different aggravating factors depending on the patient’s age.