Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Endocrine Diseases

• Published in: Respiration Vol. 70; no. 3; pp. 320 - 327
• Main Authors: Bottini, Paolo, Tantucci, Claudio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland Karger 01.05.2003; S. Karger AG
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cushing Syndrome - complications; Diabetes Complications; Diabetic Nephropathies - complications; Endocrine System Diseases - complications; Humans; Hyperandrogenism - complications; Hypothyroidism - complications; Medical sciences; Pneumology; Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases; Review; Sleep Apnea Syndromes - complications; Sleep Apnea Syndromes - physiopathology; Endocrinopathy; Human; Sleep apnea syndrome; Respiratory disease; Diabetes mellitus; Pituitary diseases; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Thyroid diseases; Acromegaly; Clinical form; Hypothyroidism
• ISSN: 0025-7931; 1423-0356
• DOI: 10.1159/000072019

It is increasingly recognized that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) – from snoring to apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) – can affect patients with various endocrine diseases (ED). Different mechanisms are implied in SDB, promoting either central or, more frequently, obstructive apnea in different ED. In the past, acromegaly and hypothyroidism were first associated with both central and obstructive SAHS. Today, great attention is placed on the complex cause-effect relationship between diabetes mellitus and obstructive SAHS (and vice versa). Symptoms and signs of SAHS may complicate the clinical course of these diseases and should be promptly suspected to detect and possibly treat the accompanying SDB.