The coexistence of the impaired exercise tolerance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea with gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a frequent disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of the study was to evaluate possible correlation between the impairement of exercise tolerance and GERD. Material and methods: We examined 18 patients with OSA, mean AHI - 44 ± 22; 6 females, 12 males, mean age 55 ± 9 years. All patients were treated for metabolic disorders and for hypertension or coronary artery disease. In all patients gastroscopy was performed with 24h pHmetry and 6MWT. Results: In 12 patients GERD was found, in 14 patients esophagitis was diagnosed (among them there were 3 patients without GERD). Patients with GERD were younger (53 ± 7 vs. 59 ± 11 years) and more obese (BMI - 38 ± 5 vs. 36 ± 9 kg/m2). During 6MWT the distance covered was shorter (in % of normal values) in GERD subjects: 78 ± 17 vs. 86 ± 22%) and desaturation was deeper (91 ± 3 vs. 94 ± 3%). Conclusions: Despite some tendencies the relationship between GERD and impairement of exercise tolerance in OSA patients was not statistically significant. Perhaps study in larger group of subjects will be more reliable. Copyright © 2008 Via Medica.