Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on neuromuscular transmission- a descriptive study.

Objective

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder accompanied by intermittent hypoxia. Neuromuscular transmission (NT) is known to be disturbed under chronic hypoxia. In this descriptive study, it has been aimed to test NT under intermittent hypoxia in OSA.

Methods

Thirty-nine newly diagnosed OSA patients without any comorbidities or conditions that alter NT were included in the study. Jitter analysis was performed using a concentric needle electrode.

Results

The mean jitter value of 39 OSA patients was 25.9 ± 3.7 μs. When compared to the mean reference jitter values, patients in the present study had significantly higher jitter (p < 0.001). Seven (17.9%) patients met the electrophysiological criteria for NT failure.

Conclusion

The authors propose that intermittent hypoxia can be the trigger for NT failure in OSA. The interaction between increased oxidative stress and disturbed mitochondrial functions may also contribute.