Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

摘要

We read with great interest the study by Soler and colleagues on the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in 54 patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1). Their data were obtained prospectively to quantify severity of airflow obstruction and respiratory symptoms and to identify obstructive sleep apnea using home polysomnography. The authors conclude that, "Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent in patients with moderate to severe COPD referred to pulmonary rehabilitation." In addition, the authors speculate that, "these patients have greater-than-expected sleep-disordered breathing which could be an important contributory factor to morbidity and mortality."