[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypothyroidism (a report of three cases)].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and hypothyroidism, and to discuss the management experience.

METHOD: Three cases of severity OSAS with hypothyroidism were reported and relevant literatures were reviewed. One patient underwent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), one patient was performed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP), and one case is in follow-up now.

RESULT: Thyroxine replacement therapy was effective in improving symptoms and nocturnal sleep apnea.

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism probably plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea, the satisfactory results would be obtained by thyroxine replacement therapy, CPAP or surgical treatment can be used as adjuvant therapy in patients with this disease.