[Assessment of recent weight history before instituting continuous positive airways pressure in a cohort of patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome].

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the recent weight history in patients with the obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) needing treatment with continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP).

Patients And Methods: Over a period of 18 months, a self-administered questionnaire concerning recent weight history was given to patients during the installation of CPAP.

Results: The study population consisted of 1337 patients. An increase in weight of at least 5% over the 5 years preceding the institution of CPAP was found in 44% of patients. This increase was moderate (5-10%), important (10-20%) and very important (>20%) in respectively 12.3%, 16.1% and 15.6% of patients. The patients with important or very important weight gain differed from those whose weight remained steady in a higher percentage of women, young people, and patients with a higher prevalence of obesity, persistent smoking, a history of venous thromboembolism and treatment with anti-depressants.

Conclusion: A recent increase in weight is frequently seen in severe OSAHS and is associated with some clinical characteristics.