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01-06-2021 | Sleep Apnea | Sleep Breathing Physiology and Disorders • Original Article

The association between high risk of sleep apnea, comorbidities, and risk of COVID-19: a population-based international harmonized study

Authors: Frances Chung, Rida Waseem, Chi Pham, Thomas Penzel, Fang Han, Bjørn Bjorvatn, Charles M. Morin, Brigitte Holzinger, Colin A. Espie, Christian Benedict, Jonathan Cedernaes, Tarja Saaresranta, Yun Kwok Wing, Michael R. Nadorff, Yves Dauvilliers, Luigi De Gennaro, Guiseppe Plazzi, Ilona Merikanto, Kentaro Matsui, Damien Leger, Mariusz Sieminski, Sergio Mota-Rolim, Yuichi Inoue, Markku Partinen, for the International COVID Sleep Study (ICOSS) group

Published in: Sleep and Breathing | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of severe COVID-19; however, the level of potential modulation has not yet been established. The objective of the study was to determine the association between high risk of OSA, comorbidities, and increased risk for COVID-19, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) treatment.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional population-based web survey in adults in 14 countries/regions. The survey included sociodemographic variables and comorbidities. Participants were asked questions about COVID-19, hospitalization, and ICU treatment. Standardized questionnaire (STOP questionnaire for high risk of OSA) was included. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted adjusting for various factors.

Results

Out of 26,539 respondents, 20,598 (35.4% male) completed the survey. Mean age and BMI of participants were 41.5 ± 16.0 years and 24.0 ± 5.0 kg/m², respectively. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed OSA was 4.1% and high risk of OSA was 9.5%. We found that high risk of OSA (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20, 2.47) and diabetes (aOR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.48) were associated with reporting of a COVID-19 diagnosis. High risk for OSA (aOR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.10–4.01), being male (aOR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.55–5.12), having diabetes (aOR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.70–9.12), and having depression (aOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15–4.77) were associated with increased risk of hospitalization or ICU treatment.

Conclusions

Participants at high risk of OSA had increased odds of having COVID-19 and were two times more likely to be hospitalized or treated in ICU.

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Title: The association between high risk of sleep apnea, comorbidities, and risk of COVID-19: a population-based international harmonized study
Authors: Frances Chung
Rida Waseem
Chi Pham
Thomas Penzel
Fang Han
Bjørn Bjorvatn
Charles M. Morin
Brigitte Holzinger
Colin A. Espie
Christian Benedict
Jonathan Cedernaes
Tarja Saaresranta
Yun Kwok Wing
Michael R. Nadorff
Yves Dauvilliers
Luigi De Gennaro
Guiseppe Plazzi
Ilona Merikanto
Kentaro Matsui
Damien Leger
Mariusz Sieminski
Sergio Mota-Rolim
Yuichi Inoue
Markku Partinen
for the International COVID Sleep Study (ICOSS) group
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Sleep Apnea
Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Published in: Sleep and Breathing / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1520-9512
Electronic ISSN: 1522-1709
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-021-02373-5

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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