Patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had higher odds of being diagnosed with COVID-19 and higher likelihoods of hospitalization or intensive care unit care when diagnosed with COVID-19, according to recent findings.

The research was presented in a poster presentation at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies' Virtual SLEEP 2021 meeting.

“Patients with OSA have a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes,” wrote Rida Waseem, RA, University Health Network, Ontario, Canada. “The objective of our study was to examine the associations between risk of OSA, comorbidities, and increased risk of being afflicted by COVID-19, as well as the risk of hospitalization or intensive care unit.”

A cross-sectional population based web survey was conducted in 14 countries and regions between May and August of 2020.  A total of 26,539 respondents aged 18 years or older answered the survey anonymously. Researchers conducted multivariable logistic regression to adjust for body mass index, age, and gender.

High risk of OSA among survey responders, measured by the Snoring, Tiredness, Observed Apnea, Pressure Questionnaire, was associated with a risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as a higher likelihood of being treated in the hospital or intensive care unit for COVID-19.

“Participants with a high risk of OSA were two times more likely to be treated in the hospital or ICU,” Dr Waseem concluded. “Identifying those at high risk of OSA by screening can enhance the COVID-19 triage process to optimize treatment.”—Erin McGuinness

Bailes, S, Huynh, N, et al. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected health and psychological wellbeing of individuals with OSA. Presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies' Virtual SLEEP 2021 Meeting. June 10-13 2021; Virtual.