Gender-specific features of respiratory events in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Despite a similar apnea hypopnea index (AHI), clinical and polygraphic features are different according to gender in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of OSAS according to gender by the severity of respiratory events. <bold>Methods:</bold> Retrospective study including 602 patients followed for OSAS, confirmed by ventilatory polygraphy, at the pneumology department D of Abderrahmane Mami hospital in Ariana between 2015 and 2022. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to sex: G1 including 178 male patients and G2 including 424 female patients. <bold>Results:</bold> A female predominance was noted with a sex ratio of 2.37. OSAS was classified as mild in 30.1% of cases, moderate in 16.9% and severe in 53%. AHI was significantly higher in men (G1: 34.39/h ±22.40; G2: 30.29/h ±22.64; p=0.04). The mean duration of apneas and hypopneas were statistically more prolonged in men with respectively (G1: 20.41s ±6.62; G2: 17.57s ±6.13; p= 0.001) and (G1: 24.27s ±5.37; G2: 22.41s ±4.97; p= 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups concerning the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (G1: 32.81/h ±22.17; G2: 30.28/h ±23.96; p=0.2). There was no significant correlation between mean apnea/hypopnea duration and ODI according to sex (p=0.07; p=0,3). However, the mean duration of apnea and hypopnea was statistically associated with AHI in men (p=0.02) and not associated in women (p=0.4). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The average duration of apnea or hypopnea does not seem to have a significant impact on the ODI. However, this duration is proportionally correlated with the AHI in men.