RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Microalbuminuria is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Microalbuminuria may be seen due to intermittent hypoxemia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In this study, we investigated the prevalence and relationship of microalbuminuria with clinical and physiological parameters in patients with OSAS. METHOD: Ninety-eight patients with OSAS and 26 nonapneic snoring subjects upon polysomnography were included in this study. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was calculated according to a previously described formula. The severity index of chronic diseases was evaluated by using the modified cumulative illness rating scale (MCIRS). Insulin resistance (IR) method was analyzed by homeostasis assessment model (HOMA-IR). Subjective sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI), MCIRS, and UACR were higher in patients with OSAS than nonapneic snoring subjects. In linear regression model, there was a negative relationship between UACR and minimal O2, and there was a significantly positive relationship between UACR and desaturation index. CONCLUSION: Microalbuminuria may be seen in patients with OSAS, depending on the severity of disease and hypoxemia. Microalbuminuria in patients with OSAS should be examined in regular periods for risk of cardiovascular morbidity or mortality.