The association between high risk of sleep apnea, comorbidities, and risk of COVID-19: a population-based international harmonized study
: Chung Frances, Waseem Rida, Pham Chi, Penzel Thomas, Han Fang, Bjorvatn Bjørn, Morin Charles M, Holzinger Brigitte, Espie Colin A, Benedict Christian, Cedernaes Jonathan, Saaresranta Tarja, Wing Yun Kwok, Nadorff Michael R, Dauvilliers Yves, De Gennaro Luigi, Plazzi Guiseppe, Merikanto Ilona, Matsui Kentaro, Leger Damien, Sieminski Mariusz, Mota-Rolim Sergio, Inoue Yuichi, Partinen Markku; International COVID Sleep Study (ICOSS) group
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
: 2021
: Sleep and Breathing
: SLEEP AND BREATHING
: SLEEP BREATH
: 25
: 2
: 849
: 860
: 12
: 1520-9512
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-021-02373-5
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/58938023
Purpose
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of severe COVID-19; however, the level of potential modulation has not yet been established. The objective of the study was to determine the association between high risk of OSA, comorbidities, and increased risk for COVID-19, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) treatment.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional population-based web survey in adults in 14 countries/regions. The survey included sociodemographic variables and comorbidities. Participants were asked questions about COVID-19, hospitalization, and ICU treatment. Standardized questionnaire (STOP questionnaire for high risk of OSA) was included. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted adjusting for various factors.
Results
Out of 26,539 respondents, 20,598 (35.4% male) completed the survey. Mean age and BMI of participants were 41.5 +/- 16.0 years and 24.0 +/- 5.0 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed OSA was 4.1% and high risk of OSA was 9.5%. We found that high risk of OSA (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20, 2.47) and diabetes (aOR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.48) were associated with reporting of a COVID-19 diagnosis. High risk for OSA (aOR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.10-4.01), being male (aOR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.55-5.12), having diabetes (aOR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.70-9.12), and having depression (aOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15-4.77) were associated with increased risk of hospitalization or ICU treatment.
Conclusions
Participants at high risk of OSA had increased odds of having COVID-19 and were two times more likely to be hospitalized or treated in ICU.
