Correlation of Anthropometry With Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Objectives Obstructive sleep apnoea [OSA] severity varies in people with different anthropometric measurements, Mallampati grading, and Friedman’s grading. The objective of the study is to correlate the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA with anthropometric measurements such as Mallampati grading, and Friedman’s grading. Material and Methods Subjects diagnosed with OSA were included in the study. They were categorised as having mild, moderate, and severe OSA based on the Apnoea-hypopnoea index. Anthropometric measurements, Mallampati grading for oropharyngeal visualization, and Friedman’s grading for tongue position and tonsil size were noted in a proforma. These findings were correlated with the severity of OSA. Results Among 91 subjects, the majority were males (65%), with most falling in the age group of 40 to 60 years old. About half of the subjects had severe OSA. The maximum number of subjects fell in grades 2 and 3 of the Mallampati and Friedman’s grading systems. There was a statistically significant association between the severity of OSA and BMI. A statistically significant association was found between the severity of OSA and Mallampati and Friedman’s grading. The neck circumference between males and females with severe OSA was statistically significant. Conclusion The study confirms the linear correlation between higher Mallampati and Friedman’s grades and increased OSA severity, supports the usefulness of these grading systems as predictive tools in clinical settings. The findings demonstrated that higher BMI is significantly correlated with increased OSA severity. Also, with the increase in neck circumference, the severity of OSA tends to increase.