Sarcoidosis of The Breasts - When Should It Be Considered? a Case Report.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. Given its complex clinical presentation, the disorder frequently causes diagnostic challenges. In most cases, the primary manifestation is in the lungs and mediastinum. Breast involvement as the primary manifestation of sarcoidosis is rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. The authors present the case of a 44-year-old woman whose disease first manifested as multiple non-specific BIRADS 4 lesions in both breasts, accompanied by axillary lymphadenopathy, detected by ultrasound examination. The lesions were not visible on mammography. The course of the disease was clinically silent, with intermittent remissions, until the complete resolution of focal breast lesions on ultrasound after two years of follow-up. The paper presents an algorithm for the management of multifocal breast pathology with associated lymphadenopathy, which led to the prompt verification of sarcoidosis.

Glomerular filtration rate in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: the influence of cystatin-C-based estimations and comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a comorbidity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that the use of the classical muscle-dependent, creatinine-based equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with OSA may be inaccurate due to the extreme body mass index (BMI) of some patients. The aim of this study was to establish the role of cystatin-C-based estimation of GFR for the detection of CKD in patients with OSA and typical comorbidities. METHODS: Two hundred and forty consecutive patients with newly diagnosed OSA were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. In all patients estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated with chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration group (CKD-EPI) equations using creatinine and cystatin-C. All patients were examined for comorbidities. RESULTS: In obese patients with OSA significant differences between GFR estimations based on creatinine and cystatin were found: eGFR based on muscle-dependent creatinine measurement was significantly higher than the muscle-independent eGFR based on cystatin-C measurement. CONCLUSIONS: GFR can be routinely screened for using creatinine-based estimations (eGFRcreat). In a selected group of patients with OSA with BMI over 30 kg/m2 the addition of cystatin-C for assessment of eGFR is suggested.

Impact of polymorphism of selected genes on the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION Although the coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be attributed to environmental risk factors common for both diseases, a genetic background should also be considered. Data on the role of genetic factors in the development of T2DM in patients with OSA are lacking. OBJECTIVES The study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of polymorphisms of selected genes that are known to be associated with diabetes or obesity in patients with OSA and concomitant T2DM and to assess these polymorphisms in the context of OSA severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed OSA confirmed by polysomnography underwent genotyping for the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): SREBF1 rs11868035, HIF1A rs11549465, APOA5 rs3135506, TCF7L2 rs7903146, and FTO rs16945088. The frequency of genotypes was compared between patients with and without concomitant T2DM and was analyzed with regard to OSA severity. RESULTS A total of 600 patients with newly diagnosed OSA were enrolled to the study. Of these, 121 patients (20.2%) were diagnosed with T2DM (97 men and 24 women; median age, 58 years; range, 52-64 years). The prevalence of T2DM was significantly lower in APOA5 rs3135506 GG homozygotes than in CG heterozygotes (18.8% vs 33.3%, P = 0.02). APOA5 rs3135506 CG heterozygotes were at higher risk for developing T2DM (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval,1.38-5.04; P = 0.003). No significant differences were found for the genotype distribution of the other investigated SNPs. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a possible link between the polymorphism of the gene encoding APOA5 and T2DM in patients with OSA.

[Genetic predisposition to ischemic heart disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)]. / Zaleznosc wystepowania choroby niedokrwiennej serca od polimorfizmu wybranych genów u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny (OBS).

The incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with OSAS is estimated at around 20%. This greatly affect a common risk factors for both diseases: male gender, obesity, age and diabetes and hypertension. Attention is drawn to the possibility of genetic determinants of IHD. The aim of study was to answer the question whether the presence of polymorphisms of selected genes possibly related to IHD may be useful to isolate the group of patients with OSAS, especially vulnerable as a complication of IHD. Materials and methods. The study included 600 people with OSAS, which was isolated in patients with IHD (127 people). The remaining 473 individuals were observed as a control group. The polymorphism of three genes were evaluated to find possible influence on the occurrence of IHD or myocardial infarction as follows: SREBF1 (sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1), REBF2 (sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2) and HIF1 (hypoxia inducible factor 1, alpha subunit). Results. Analysis of relationship between polymorphisms of selected genes and the diagnosis of IHD in the whole group of patients with OSAS showed a relationship only for the gene SREBF1 finding the lowest frequency of its occurrence in AA homozygotes (at 13.6%) and twice with GG homozygotes (26.1%). Conclusions. Rating polymorphisms studied genes did not reveal their relationship to the occurrence of IHD in patients with OSAS, both in the whole group as well as separate subgroups.

[Prevalence of stroke in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea]. / Rozpowszechnienie udaru mózgu u pacjentów z obturacyjnym bezdechem sennym.

INTRODUCTION: Results of earlier population and clinical studies confirmed relationship between stroke and obstructive sleep apnea. Our previous study on epidemiology of sleep-disordered breathing in Warsaw based on 676 subjects, mean age 56.6 +/- 8.2 years, confirmed OSA in 76 subjects (11.3%) mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) - 25.3 +/- 16.1 revealed low incidence of stroke in OSA group (2 pts; 2.6%) and in subjects without OSA (20 pts; 3.4%). The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of stroke in newly diagnosed OSA subjects qualified to CPAP therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 342 consecutive pts (263 males and 79 females)--mean age--55.4 +/- 10.1 years with severe disease--AHI 39.7 +/- 22.5 and obesity--body mass index 35 +/- 6.6. History of stroke was confirmed in 16 pts before continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) introduction (4.7%) - group 1. Group 2 (without history of stroke) comprised of 326 pts (95.3%). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant correlation between stroke and time spent in desaturation below 90% during polysomnography-- T90 (beta = -0.22, p = 0.009), diabetes (b = 0.16, p = 0.006), Epworth sleepiness score (beta = 0.14, p = 0.02) and coronary artery disease (b = 0.14, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke in OSA pts before CPAP treatment was related to overnight and daytime oxygenation, diabetes, daytime sleepiness and coronary artery disease. Incidence of stroke in our group was low (4.7%) and similar to previous data from population study.

[Resolvement of respiratory failure and polycythemia after CPAP treatment in a middle-aged male with severe obstructive sleep apnea]. / Ustapienie niewydolnosci oddychania i poliglobulii po zastosowaniu aparatu CPAP u chorego z ciezka postacia obturacyjnego bezdechu sennego.

We present the case of a 52 year-old obese (BMI = 46.2 kg/m(2)) man with severe obstructive sleep apnea (RDI of 60). Before CPAP treatment was applied, the patient was diagnosed with complete respiratory failure and polycythemia. During effective autoCPAP treatment (after 10 days AHI was 5.5 at 10 mbar pressure) we observed normalization of arterial blood gases (PaCO(2) of borderline value). After one month's treatment with autoCPAP at home, we found normalization of blood morphology parameters and PaCO(2) had returned to normal, and the patient was properly oxygenated. The patient lost 22 kg during therapy (9 kg in hospital, and 13 kg at home) which resulted in the spirometric measurements returning to their normal value.

[Relationship between age and cardiovascular complications in obstructive sleep apnoea]. / Ocena zwiazków pomiedzy wiekiem oraz wystepowaniem powiklan sercowo-naczyniowych u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess relations between cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and age in OSA subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive OSA subjects (AHI/RDI > 10, Epworth score > 9 points) were evaluated. The chest X-ray, spirometry, arterial blood gases, ECG, blood morphology and biochemistry were performed during trial treatment with autoCPAP. RESULTS: We studied 533 consecutive OSA patients, mean age 55.6 +/- 10.3 years (range 24-81), with obesity (BMI 34.4 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2)) and severe OSA (AHI/RDI 37.8 +/- 21.8). To evaluate relations between CVD and age, patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 < 50 years (123 subjects, 23.1%), Group 2 aged 50-60 years (250 subjects, 46.9%) and Group 3 > 60 years (160 subjects, 30%). Subjects < 50 years were more obese and had higher AHI/RDI when compared to older groups. Incidence of arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke increased with age (higher in subjects > 60 years). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular diseases were prevalent in OSA patients > 60 years. However the youngest group presented with more severe obesity and higher AHI/RDI.

Evolution of upper airway resistance syndrome.

The question of whether upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a distinct disease or an initial feature of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is still a matter of debate. We evaluated a retrospective group of UARS patients to determine the evolution of UARS over time and the relationship between clinical evolution and subjects' phenotype. Investigations were performed in 30 patients, in whom UARS was diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 by the use of full polysomnography (PSG) without oesophageal pressure (Pes) measurement. The time between initial and follow-up investigations was 6.6 +/- 2.6 years. All subjects had full PSG with Pes measurement and completed a sleep questionnaire, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In 19 subjects, PSG results were compatible with UARS. In nine subjects, obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) was diagnosed. In two subjects, PSG did not demonstrate breathing abnormalities. The mean +/- SD apnoea-hypopnoea index in the UARS group was 1.5 +/- 1.7 h(-1) and 25.2 +/- 19 h(-1) in the OSAHS group (P < 0.01). The increase in body mass index (BMI) between initial and follow-up investigations in the UARS group was from 29.4 +/- 4 to 31 +/- 5.7 kg m(-2) (P = 0.014) and in the OSAHS group from 30 +/- 4.1 to 32.4 +/- 4.7 kg m(-2)(P = 0.004). Amplitude of Pes swings during respiratory events was significantly higher in OSAHS than that in UARS (P = 0.014). Our results suggest that UARS is part of a clinical continuum from habitual snoring to OSAHS. Progression from UARS to OSAHS seems to be related to an increase in the BMI.

[Influence of neck circumference and body mass index on obstructive sleep apnoea severity in males]. / Wplyw obwodu szyi i wskaznika masy ciala na zaawansowanie obturacyjnego bexdechu sennego u mezczyzn.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and male gender are the main risk factors for the development of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, some epidemiological data has shown that neck circumference (NC) > or = 43 cm is a better predictor of obstructive event frequency than body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to assess the relation between NC and BMI on OSA severity in males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects completed a sleep questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale before the sleep study (full polysomnography or PolyMesam study). Authors studied 133 consecutive males with confirmed OSA (AHI/RDI > 10, Epworth score > 9 points). Chest X-ray, spirometry, arterial blood gases, ECG, blood morphology and biochemistry were performed during treatment trial with autoCPAP. RESULTS: Subjects presented with obesity--BMI = 35.8 +/- 6.1 kg/m2, NC = 46 +/- 3.4 cm and severe disease--AHI/RDI = 45.3 +/- 23.6. Mean age was 52.7 +/- 11.3 years. The majority of subjects had NC > or = 43 cm (116 pts, 87.2% - group 1), 17 pts (12.8% - group 2) had NC < 43 cm had 17 pts. Comparison of both groups showed significant differences only for BMI (group 1 - 36.8 +/- 5.7, group 2 - 28.6 +/- 3.7; p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis revealed significant correlation between NC and AHI/RDI (R2 = 0.07, r = 0.26; p = 0.003); however, the correlation between BMI and AHI/RDI was stronger (R2 = 0.14, r = 0.37; p < 0.0001). In multiple linear regression analysis we found significant correlation between AHI/RDI and age (beta = -0.31, p = 0.003) and BMI (beta = 0.34, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The strongest correlation between AHI/RDI, younger age and BMI. Correlation between neck circumference and AHI/RDI was significant but less when compared to BMI.

[Six-minute walk test in obstructive sleep apnoea]. / Test 6-minutowego chodu u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess results of 6MWT in non-selected group of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. In healthy adult subjects 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) range from 400 to 700 m. Obesity, the main symptom of OSA, is one of the factors associated with reduction of 6MWD (another common factors: older age, shorter height, female sex, pulmonary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects completed sleep questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale before sleep studies (full polysomnography [PSG] or PolyMesam study [PM]). Consecutive OSA subjects (AHI/RDI >10, Epworth score > 9 points) were evaluated. The 6MWT, chest X-ray, spirometry, arterial blood gases, ECG, blood morphology and biochemistry were performed during trial treatment with autoCPAP. RESULTS: We studied 151 subjects (119 males - 78.8% and 32 females - 21.2%), mean age 53.4 +/- 10.5 years. Subjects were obese - BMI = 35.7 +/- 6.2 kg/m(2) and presented severe OSA - AHI/RDI = 42.4 +/- 23.2. To assess relations between 6MWD and AHI/RDI, BMI, age and concomitant diseases we divided subjects in two groups: 1(st) with 6MWD > or = lower limit of normal (LLN) (123 pts; 81.5%) and 2(nd) with 6MWD < LLN (28 pts; 18.5%). Significant differences between groups were found for BMI, FVC (% of predicted) and Borg dyspnea scale before and after 6MWT. In multiple linear regression analysis we found significant correlation between 6MWD and BMI (beta = 0.41, p < 0.0001) and arterial hypertension (beta = -0.16, p = 0.04). Females had significantly shorter 6MWD than males (401.1 +/- 83.6 m and 451.8 +/- 107 m, respectively; p = 0.01). Difference was significant after adjustment for BMI and age (analysis of covariance) - R = 0.61, R2 = 0.38 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: BMI, female sex, arterial hypertension and lower FVC (% of predicted) were related to shorter 6-minute walking distance in OSA patients.

Sleep-disordered breathing in a middle-aged and older Polish urban population.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent disorder; however, the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing is not well known in many countries. The aim of our investigation was to assess the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in a representative sample of the population of Warsaw. We studied 676 subjects (57.1% of the randomised cohort from the Monica II study). The sample comprised 356 males (52.7%) and 320 females (47.3%), whose mean age was 56.6 +/- 8.2 years (range 41-72 years). Mean number of apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour of time in bed (AH) in males was 7 +/- 9.5 and in females 3.9 +/- 6.6 (P < 0.001). SDB (cut-off point AH > 5 or >10) was identified in 188 subjects (27.8%) and 97 subjects (14.3%), respectively. SDB was established twice as frequently in males as in females (respectively 36.5 versus 18.5%; P < 0.001 for AH > 5 and 19.8 versus 8.5%; P < 0.001 for AH > 10). A diagnosis of OSAS AH > 10 and Epworth Sleepiness Score > or =11 points was established in 51 subjects (7.5%). The prevalence of OSAS was nearly four times higher in males (40 subjects, 11.2%) than in females (11 subjects, 3.4%; P < 0.001). The severity of OSAS was similar in both sexes (AH: males 32.3 +/- 14.9 and females 31.4.1 +/- 15.4). Older age and male sex were predictors of SDB. SDB and OSAS were independent predictors of coronary artery disease after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, neck circumference and smoking habit.

[Failure of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)]. / Uwulopalatofaryngoplastyka (UPPP) jako zabieg nieskuteczny w leczeniu ciezkiego obturacyjnego bezdechu sennego (OBS).

INTRODUCTION: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is the most frequent surgical procedure in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) treatment. The aim of this study was to assess effects of UPPP in OSA subjects admitted to our Sleep Laboratory. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 22 mostly obese males (mean BMI = 33.1 +/- 4 kg/m(2)) in mean age 51.7 +/- 9.7 years. Polysomnography or polygraphy (Poly-Mesam) was performed 28.5 +/- 30.5 month after UPPP. RESULTS: Sleep studies after UPPP revealed severe OSA in most of the patients - mean AHI/RDI = 53 +/- 33.2, mean overnight SaO(2) = 88.1 +/- 5.3%. Subjects spent near half night in desaturation below 90% (T90 = 46.8 +/- 33.8%) and presented daytime somnolence (Epworth score: 14.3 +/- 4.8 points). Only in 3 subjects (13.6%), UPPP was successful (AHI/RDI < or = 10). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed previous data that UPPP is ineffective in majority of obese subjects with severe OSA.

[Menopausal status and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in females]. / Wplyw menopauzy na nasilenie obturacyjnego bezdechu sennego (OBS) u kobiet.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is higher in postmenopausal females. The aim of this study was to compare OSA severity in postmenopausal females (group E-) and females with preserved estrogen activity (premenopausal or on hormonal replacement therapy - group E+). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 147 OSA females in mean age 58.1 +/- 9.4 years. Subjects presented obesity (BMI = 34 +/- +/- 7.9 kg/m2) and moderate or severe disease (AHI = 35.9 +/- 20.9), SaO(2) mean - 89.4 +/- 5.8%. Group (E-) consisted of 116 pts (75.5%) and group (E+) of 36 pts (24.5%). RESULTS: Group (E+) presented more severe OSA (AHI/RDI = 42 +/- 26.6) and obesity (BMI = 37.6 +/- 10.1 kg/m(2)) when compared to group E- (AHI/RDI = 33.9 +/- 18.4; p = 0.04 and BMI - 32.8 +/- 6.7 kg/m(2); p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis we found significant negative correlation between AHI and age (beta = -0.29, p = 0.03). After adjustment for BMI and age (analysis of covariance) significant difference was still present between both groups (R = 0.24, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of OSA females qualified to CPAP therapy were postmenopausal (75.5%). Severity of OSA (AHI/RDI) after adjustment for age and BMI was higher in group (E+).

[Influence of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure on respiratory muscle function and physical fitness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and overlap syndrome]. / Wplyw leczenia dodatnim cisnieniem w drogach oddechowych (CPAP) na czynnosc miesni oddechowych oraz wydolnosc fizyczna u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny i zespól nakladania.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CPAP treatment on respiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and overlap syndrome (OS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 9 patients with OSA and 9 patients with OS were studied. Respiratory muscle assessment, 6 minute walking distance (6MWD) and cycloergometry exercise test were performed before and after six month period of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: In OSA group exercise tolerance did not change after the treatment. Mean 6MWD was 571.8 +/- 76.6 m before and 554.0 +/- 125.5 m after treatment, mean W(max) was 142 +/- 41 W before and 139 +/- 38 W after treatment. PI(max) in OSA group did not change significantly, 140.4 +/- 32.0 cm H(2)O before and 155.9 +/- 31.5 after treatment (p = 0.14). PE(max) improved from 170.5 +/- 49.2 cm H(2)O, to 199.9 +/- 27.6 cm H(2)O (p = 0.067). Handgrip force in OSA group improved from 50.5 +/- 16.5 kg to 61.0 +/- 17.0 kg (left hand) (p = 0.05) and from 53.3 +/- 14.2 to 58.9 +/- 15.9 (right hand) (p < 0.05). In OS group exercise tolerance improved by 17% after CPAP treatment from W(max) = 81 +/- 33 W before to 95 +/- 38 W after. Mean 6MWD was at the same level before (504 +/- 144 m) and after treatment (492 +/- 108 m). PI(max) in OS group improved from 89.2 +/- 35.7 cm H(2)O to 106.3 +/- 31.4 cm H(2)O (p < 0.05). PE(max) in OS group did not change significantly, 159.9 +/- 45.8 cm H(2)O before and 184.2 +/- 45.0 cm H(2)O after treatment (NS). Handgrip force in OS group improved from 38.1 +/- 15.9 kg to 46.9 +/- 11.1 kg (left hand) (p < 0.05) and did not change in right hand (44.5 +/- 17.7 kg vs. 47.9 +/- 10.4 kg) (NS). Data analysis of the whole group (18 pts) showed clear tendency to improve strength of respiratory muscles in patients treated with CPAP. Mean PI(max) improved from 123 to 133 cm H(2)O (p = 0.006) and PE(max) improved from 168.1 to 192 cm H(2)O (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP treatment improved strentgh of respiratory and skeletal muscles in patients with OSA and OS and improved exercise tolerance in patients with OS.

[Hyperuricaemia in females with obstructive sleep apnoea]. / Hiperurykemia u kobiet chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to assess serum uric acid (UA) in a large group of females with OSA before treatment (normal UA value is from 2.4 to 5.7 mg/dL). We studied 105 consecutive females (73,3% without estrogen activity), mean age 58.5+/-9.9 years, mean BMI = 33.3+/-8.2 kg/m(2) with OSA (mean AHI = 35.6+/-21.5, mean overnight SaO2=89+/-6.3%). We divided patients in two groups: 1st with hyperuricaemia - UA>5.7mg/dL (53pts, 50.5%) and 2nd with normouricaemia - UA < 5.7mg/dL (52pts, 49.5%). Concentartion of serum uric acid was similar in females with and without estrogen activity. Subjects with hyperuricaemia had significantly higher BMI (p<0,001), lower mean SaO2 (p<0,01) and spent more time in desaturation below 90% (p<0,01). This group had lower FVC, FEV1 i PaO2 (p < 0,001), higher PaCO2 (p <0,01) and morning glucose (p <0,001). Females with OSA and hyperuricaemia presented higher prevalence of systemic hypertension (p < 0,001), coronary artery disease (p < 0,05), diabetes (not significant) and COPD (p < 0,05). Multiple regression analysis revealed relation between serum uric acid, BMI and arterial hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricaemia is frequent in females with OSA. Increased UA levels were related especially to obesity and arterial hypertension. Lower: overnight SaO2, FVC, FEV1, PaO2 and higher glucose concentration and PaCO2 may play role in developing of hyperuricaemia.

[The internal jugular vein thrombosis during pregnancy with decreased level of protein S]. / Zakrzepica zyly szyjnej wewnetrznej u pacjentki z obnizonym poziomem bialka S w przebiegu ciazy.

The study presents a rare case of internal jugular vein thrombosis during pregnancy. The patient's only complaints were headaches which increased after conception. In the 11th week of pregnancy thrombosis of the internal left jugular vein was diagnosed. Since then, patient had been treated with low molecular weight heparin. Further course pregnancy, delivery and puerperium were not complicated. The decreased level of protein S was responsible for the internal jugular vein thrombosis in this case.

There is no relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a population study.

BACKGROUND: Both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are common diseases. Some recent studies suggest an increased prevalence of COPD among subjects with OSAS. OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to evaluate whether there is an epidemiological relationship between COPD and OSAS in a random population sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population, 356 males (53%) and 320 females, mean age 56.6+/-8.2 years (range 41-72), was selected from a voting list for parliamentary election in Warsaw. The investigation included lung diseases and smoking history with polysomnography and spirometry. RESULTS: OSAS was diagnosed in 76 subjects (11.3%), 59 males (8.8%) and 17 females (2.5%), mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was 25.3+/-16.1, mean overnight SaO2 92.1+/-3.3%, minimum SaO2 76.9+/-9.4%, and SaO2<90%=18.9+/-23.9% of total sleep time. COPD was diagnosed in 72 subjects (10.7%), 39 males and 33 females. Severity of airflow limitation was assessed according to European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines: mild in 70%, moderate in 22%, and severe in 8%. In 7 subjects (9.2% of OSAS population, 1% of total population) OSAS and COPD overlapped. Polysomnographic variables were compared between overlap (overlap syndrome, OS) and OSAS subjects. In the OS mean AHI was 19.0 versus 25.3 in OSAS (nonsignificant), mean SaO2 89.6 versus 92.3% in OSAS (p<0.005), and time spent in SaO2<90% was 25.4 versus 18.2% in OSAS (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: COPD in subjects with OSAS was as frequent as in the general population. In the OS group mean arterial blood saturation was lower and time spent in desaturation was longer than in OSAS. The presented data suggest a more severe course of sleep-disordered breathing in subjects with coexisting COPD.

[Hyperuricaemia in males with obstructive sleep apnoea (osa)]. / Hiperurykemia u meiczyzn chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny (obs).

UNLABELLED: Previous studies showed that uric acid (UA) excretion in urine is increased in OSA patients and normalized after CPAP therapy. The aim of our study was to assess serum UA in a large group of males with OSA before treatment. METHODS: All subjects had full or limited PSG, measurements of serum uric acid, cholesterol, triglicerydes, glucose levels, lung function tests and medical history for cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: We studied 260 consecutive, obese males (BMI = 33.1 +/- 6.2 kg/m2), mean age 51.5 +/- 9.9 years, with severe OSA (mean AHI/RDI = 44 +/- 24, mean overnight SaO2 = 89.2 +/- 5.4%, T90 = 43.8 +/- 34.4%. Hyperuricaemia (UA >7 mg%) was found in 56.2% of studied subjects. UA concentration correlated with obesity and overnight oxygenation. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlation between UA and BMI. Subjects with hyperuricaemia presented with higher prevalence of systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricaemia is frequent in males with OSA. Elevated UA levels are related to extreme obesity, overnight desaturation and higher prevalence of systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes and COPD.