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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Relationship between sleep disturbances and peripheral airway abnormalities in COPD patients

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description

Background: Individuals with COPD experience sleep disturbances due to the impact of symptoms on quality of sleep. Aim: To test the hypothesis that, in COPD, sleep disturbances are linked to peripheral airway abnormalities. Methods: An investigational study is being performed at the University of Palermo, Italy. The impact of breathing problems on quality of sleep during the previous week is measured with the COPD and Asthma Sleep Impact Scale (CASIS) questionnaire. Airway resistances by impulse oscillometry (IOS) assesses peripheral airway abnormalities. Lung function evaluation includes static and dynamic lung volume measurements. To rule out the risk of having obstructive sleep apnea, the Epworth Sleepness Scale (ESS) and nocturnal oximetry is performed. Results: To date, 29 COPD subjects (M/F: 25/4, age: 72±8 yrs, BMI: 26.3±4.5 kg/m2, FEV1: 65±11% predicted; mean±SD) have been enrolled. In this interim analysis, the CASIS score was 33 (range: 0-86), and R5-R20 was 0.16±0.09 kPasL-1. Subjects with abnormal peripheral airway resistances (R5-R20>0.07 kPasL-1) had a significantly higher CASIS score than those with R5-R20≤0.07 kPasL-1 (38.9±29 vs 16.6±16, respectively; p=0.049). The CASIS score was not associated with the degree of airway obstruction (FEV1≤50% and >50% predicted: 38±30 vs. 30±27, p=0.48), or the magnitude of air trapping (residual volume >120% and ≤120% predicted: 25±25 vs 39±27, p=0.22). EES and nocturnal oximetry were within normal ranges. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that a relationship exists between sleep disturbances due to COPD symptoms and peripheral airway abnormalities. The final analysis will allow better description of this association.