Prevalence of the sleep apnea syndrome in acromegaly population

The prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in acromegaly is high. Consequ ences of SAS are serious and are associated with increased morbidity and mo rtality. The aim of this study was to assess the relative frequency and pre dictive factors for SAS in a group of patients with acromegaly (n=55). The presence of SAS was evaluated using the Polymesam device. Hormonal and clin ical examination consisted of assessment of growth hormone, insulin-like gr owth factor I plasma levels, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, age , sex, treatment modes of acromegaly and ear, nose and throat (ENT) examina tion. The relative frequency of SAS in our group of patients with acromegal y was 75%. Independent predictors of SAS were: increased activity of acrome galy, higher age and neck circumference. No association between SAS and BMI and ENT findings was observed. The role of gender was controversial. (J. E ndocrinol. Invest. 23: 515-519, 2000) (C) 2000, Editrice Kurtis.