Systematic review finds sex differences in OSA diagnostic parameters

This systematic review of 33 studies, including 24,110 male and 13,049 female patients, examined sex-based differences in diagnostic and polysomnographic parameters for obstructive sleep apnea. It reported that females generally presented at an older age and with higher body mass index, while males generally had greater neck circumference and apnea-hypopnea index; findings on waist circumference, oxygen saturation nadir, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were inconsistent across studies. The authors state that recognizing these sex-specific differences is important for evaluation and diagnosis of OSA.

Most relevant for: Adults undergoing evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly where sex-based differences in presentation may affect diagnostic workup.

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