Study of the prevalence and predictive factors of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are parenchymal lung conditions that are chronic, progressive, and have a high morbidity and mortality rate. Due to restrictions in their gas exchange and ventilatory dysfunction, ILD patients are probably at risk for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Sixty-nine patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases identified by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest were included in the study. All patients were assessed by the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and full-night polysomnography (PSG) for diagnosis and classification of SDB. The aim of the study is to examine the prevalence and risk factors for SDB in ILD.

Among the study group hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) was the most prevalent ILD, accounting for 63.8% of cases. Out of 69 individuals, 42 (60.9%) had SDB, 57.1% of those with SDB had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the majority of those with OSA had mild degrees (21.7%, n = 15).

OSA is significantly common in ILD patients. Higher left atrium diameter and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) are predictive factors of SDB. To facilitate early diagnosis and therapy, PSG should be performed on ILD patients at high risk (such as males, individuals with high ESS scores, SBQ scores, and left atrium diameter).

Retrospectively registered, registration number is NCT06012526, date of registration August 25, 2023.