[Menopausal status and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in females].

Introduction: Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is higher in postmenopausal females. The aim of this study was to compare OSA severity in postmenopausal females (group E-) and females with preserved estrogen activity (premenopausal or on hormonal replacement therapy - group E+).

Material And Methods: We studied 147 OSA females in mean age 58.1 +/- 9.4 years. Subjects presented obesity (BMI = 34 +/- +/- 7.9 kg/m2) and moderate or severe disease (AHI = 35.9 +/- 20.9), SaO(2) mean - 89.4 +/- 5.8%. Group (E-) consisted of 116 pts (75.5%) and group (E+) of 36 pts (24.5%).

Results: Group (E+) presented more severe OSA (AHI/RDI = 42 +/- 26.6) and obesity (BMI = 37.6 +/- 10.1 kg/m(2)) when compared to group E- (AHI/RDI = 33.9 +/- 18.4; p = 0.04 and BMI - 32.8 +/- 6.7 kg/m(2); p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis we found significant negative correlation between AHI and age (beta = -0.29, p = 0.03). After adjustment for BMI and age (analysis of covariance) significant difference was still present between both groups (R = 0.24, p = 0.03).

Conclusions: Majority of OSA females qualified to CPAP therapy were postmenopausal (75.5%). Severity of OSA (AHI/RDI) after adjustment for age and BMI was higher in group (E+).