SARS: prognosis, outcome and sequelae.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in the acute phase. Worldwide case fatality rate is 11% (range 7 to 27%) for the most severely affected regions. Several adverse prognostic factors have been identified, including advanced age, presence of comorbidity, higher lactose dehydrogenase levels and initial neutrophil count, but the impact of viral and other host factors on outcome is unknown. Published data on sequelae of SARS are limited. Clinical follow-up of patients who recovered from SARS has demonstrated radiological, functional and psychological abnormalities of varying degrees. In the early rehabilitation phase, many complained of limitations in physical function from general weakness and/or shortness of breath. In a small series of subjects who underwent CT scan of the chest, over half showed some patchy changes consistent with pulmonary fibrosis. Lung function testing at 6-8 weeks after hospital discharge showed mild or moderate restrictive pattern consistent with muscle weakness in 6-20% of subjects. Mild decrease in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was detected in a minority of subjects. Preliminary evidence suggests that these lung function abnormalities will improve over time. Psychobehavioural problems of anxiety and/or depression were not uncommon in the early recovery phase, and improved over time in the majority of patients. Avascular necrosis of the hip has been reported as another complication. The long-term sequelae of SARS are still largely unknown. It is important to follow up these patients to detect and appropriately manage any persistent or emerging long-term sequelae in the physical, psychological and social domains.

A community study of sleep-disordered breathing in middle-aged Chinese men in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Asian populations is being increasingly recognized. This study investigated the prevalence of SDB in Chinese middle-aged office-based male workers in Hong Kong. METHODS: Sleep questionnaires were distributed to 1,542 men (age range, 30 to 60 years), and 784 questionnaires were returned. Subsequently, full polysomnographic (PSG) examinations were conducted in 153 questionnaire respondents. Subjects with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > or =5 were recalled for clinical assessment. RESULTS: Questionnaire respondents were similar in age and body mass index (BMI) to the general community in the target age range and gender. Habitual snoring was reported by 23% of this cohort and was associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), hypertension, witnessed abnormal breathing pattern, BMI, and leg movements during sleep. Allowing for subject bias in undergoing PSG, the estimated prevalence of SDB and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (defined as SDB in the presence of EDS) at various AHI cutoff threshold values was 8.8% and 4.1% (AHI > or =5), 6.3% and 3.2% (AHI > or =10), and 5.3% and 3.1% (AHI > or =15). Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis identified BMI, habitual snoring, time taken to fall asleep, and age as predictors of SDB at AHI > or =5. Analysis of anthropometric parameters indicated that the relative risk of OSAS attributable to obesity was less than in white subjects. CONCLUSION: This community-based study of sleep apnea among middle-aged men in Hong Kong using full PSG demonstrated an estimated prevalence of OSAS (AHI > or =5 and EDS) at 4.1%. Increasing BMI and age were associated with SDB, although factors other than adiposity may also have an important pathogenic role in OSA in Chinese subjects.