Introduction: The sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is a public health problem particularly due to its involvement in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of the affected population in order to facilitate screening for SAS.
Materials and methods: The study was retrospective, monocentric and observational. It was undertaken at the Château-Thierry hospital from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2014. Several epidemiological parameters were collected. Two groups were created according to the apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) and compared with the R software.
Results: In all, 629 patients were included and separated into two groups with a division at an AHI limit of 15/h: 425 sick patients (AHI>15/h) and 204 healthy (AHI<15/h). Differences in sex were observed (more sick men, P<0.05), of age (sick patients were older P<0.001), obesity (sick patients were on average 5kg heavier, P<0.05) and of cardiovascular history (hypertension P<0.05, coronary disease P<0.05 and arhythmic heart disease P<0.05). We found no difference using the Epworth scale, nor in benzodiazepine consumption or the presence of dementia.
Conclusion: This study highlights several risk factors for sleep apnoea in this population but also shows that the Epworth scale is not a good screening tool.
Keywords: Cardiovascular factors; Dépistage; Epworth scale; Facteurs cardiovasculaires; Screening; Sleep apnoea syndrome; Syndrome d’apnées du sommeil; Échelle d’Epworth.
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