Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

The impact of obstructive sleep apnoea in pregnancy

Publication details

Dr Adam Ainley MBBS, MRCP, Dr Himender K Makker DM, FRCP
Foundation Years Journal, volume 9, issue 4, p.42 (123Doc Education, London, April 2015)

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition of increasing prevalence worldwide. The number of patients affected is likely to continue rising, in keeping with the global epidemic of obesity, one of the conditions strongest risk factors. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the work done to address the characterisation, investigation and management of patients with OSA as well as to identify the associated co-morbidities which lead to significant morbidity and mortality. There is evidence linking OSA to an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pulmonary hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as a reduced quality of life, mood disturbance and increased incidence of road traffic accidents. More recently there has been growing
evidence that these risks can be extrapolated to pregnant patients with links being demonstrated between maternal OSA and poor perinatal/pregnancy outcomes. This article will discuss with the use of an illustrative case the current evidence about the impact of OSA on pregnant patients.

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Authors

Dr Adam Ainley MBBS, MRCP

Specialist Registrar in Respiratory Medicine
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX
adam.ainley@nhs.net

Dr Himender K Makker DM, FRCP (Corresponding author)

Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX
himendermakker@gmail.com

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