Evaluating the impact of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome on irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder; recently, hypoxia has emerged as a potential contributor to IBS. This study aimed to examine the impact of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA) on IBS.

METHODS

582 patients were enrolled and categorized into IBS (n = 84) and non-IBS (n = 498) groups based on diagnostic criteria. Associations between OSA and IBS were analyzed. For patients with OSA and combined IBS receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) scores were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Patients in the IBS group exhibited significantly higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) than that in the non-IBS group (median 12 vs. 18, P = 0.002). IBS-SSS scores were significantly elevated in the AHI>30 group compared to the AHI≤15 group (median 220 vs. 180, P = 0.002) and in the moderate-to-severe hypoxia group compared to the no-hypoxia group (median 200 vs. 120, P = 0.008). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis indicated that increasing OSA and hypoxia severity significantly elevated IBS risk (P trend = 0.012, P trend<0.001). A Significant reduction in IBS-SSS scores was observed after 3 and 6 months of CPAP treatment (P = 0.003 for 3 months; P < 0.001 for 6 months).

CONCLUSIONS

OSA was associated with increased IBS risk. In IBS patients, comorbid OSA and hypoxia can worsen symptoms. CPAP therapy was found to ameliorate IBS symptoms in OSA patients.