[Characteristics of the sleep apnea syndrome in the aged].

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of the sleep apnea syndrome in the aged.

METHODS

Forty-two males who were suspicious of the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) were detected with 7-hour polysomnography (PSG).

RESULTS

The body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference showed no significant difference in the aged and middle aged groups. The apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and microarousal index (MAI) were significantly lower, and the minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2) significantly higher in the aged than those in the middle aged (P < 0.05). Age was negatively correlated to AHI (r = -0.329, P < 0.05). The BMI and neck circumference were positively correlated to AHI (r = 0.326, P < 0.05; r = 0.306, P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SAS patients are less severe in the aged excluding the affection of the BMI and neck circumference.