Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome are not related in sleep disorders center patients.

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) frequently manifests in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and that there may be a causal relationship.

AIM: To determine the relationship between OSAS and symptoms of GERD.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to the Sleep Disorders Center (SDC) 18 years and older with polysomnographically defined OSAS were evaluated prospectively for GERD using a validated symptoms questionnaire. The GERD and OSAS relationship was assessed by 1) determining frequency of GERD in patients with and without OSAS; 2) ascertaining the relationship between OSAS severity categories and presence of GERD; 3) examining GERD score in relation to those factors that might affect both GERD and OSAS, e.g. obesity.

RESULTS

One thousand and twenty-three SDC patients met entry criteria. Amongst participants, GERD was common (29% of women and 17% of males) and OSAS extremely common (58% of women and 80% of males). GERD score did not correlate with OSAS variables. The severity of OSAS did not influence the prevalence of GERD.

CONCLUSION

In a large group of patients referred to a sleep disorders center, there was no relationship between OSAS and GERD symptoms. Also, there was no relationship between the severity of OSAS and the likelihood of GERD symptoms.