Is There an Association between Epilepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Abstract number :
2.149
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
3027
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
G. Bucurescu, MD,MS, Neurology Service, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; P.M. Yagnik, MD, Neurology Service, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; K.L. Grant, EEGT, Neurology Service, Philadelphia V
RATIONALE: To determine if there is an association between epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC).
Previous reports in the literature have documented the coexistence of epilepsy and OSA. Treatment of OSA has had a beneficial effect on seizure frequency and on daytime sleepiness. Seizures and antiepileptic drugs may have an effect on sleep, causing daytime sleepiness and decreased alertness. The presence of sleep disturbance in patients with seizures, in general, and OSA in particular, has not been systematically investigated. A recent report has shown that the presence of OSA in patients with medically intractable seizures can be as high as 45% (Neurology 2000;55:1002-1007).
METHODS: The charts of 461 patients ranging in age from 20 to 85 years with diagnosis of seizures (all types) and syncope seen in the PVAMC from 1997 to 2001 were reviewed. Medication lists, the presence of electroencephalogram (EEG) and polysomnogram (PSG) studies as part of the diagnostic workup were also reviewed.
RESULTS: There were 127 (28%) patients with a diagnosis of seizures; 11 (2%) had a dual diagnosis of seizures and OSA; 37 (8%)had a diagnosis of OSA. Two hundred eighty six (62%)had a diagnosis of syncope. The statistical analysis using Fisher[ssquote]s exact test did not show statistical significance for an association between the diagnosis of seizures and OSA (Odds Ratio= 0.6695, P=0.3189)
CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant association between epilepsy and OSA in this patient population, but OSA may be an important co-morbid diagnosis in a select subgroup of epilepsy patients.