Prevalence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with multiple systemic complications, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which contributes to worsening cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of OSA in CKD patients and its correlation with disease severity.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, over eight months. Sixty-two CKD patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent detailed clinical evaluation and overnight polysomnography. OSA severity was classified based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as mild (AHI ≥5 and <15), moderate (AHI ≥15 and <30), or severe (AHI ≥30). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: OSA prevalence increased with CKD severity: 28.5% in Stage 3, 57.0% in Stage 4, and 69.5% in Stage 5 (p=0.002). Severe OSA was noted in 9.7% of Stage 3 patients, while moderate-to-severe OSA was more prevalent in advanced CKD stages. Mean eGFR was significantly lower in OSA patients (19.6 ± 8.2 vs. 27.3 ± 10.1, p=0.01).
Conclusion: OSA is highly prevalent in CKD patients, with severity increasing in advanced stages. Early identification and intervention may improve clinical outcomes in this population.