Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder of multifactorial pathogenesis and is associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with an important function in calcium absorption and homeostasis, which is also implicated in several nonskeletal conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing worldwide and is associated with similar metabolic disturbances to OSAS. Moreover, recent data suggest that in OSAS patients serum levels of vitamin D are lower compared with non-apnoeic subjects. However, the mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency and OSAS are not completely understood and several hypotheses have been advanced. To date, a limited number of studies have assessed the association between lower serum concentrations of vitamin D and OSAS, and have reported inconsistent results. Similarly, contradictory results have been produced by studies which evaluated the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on serum vitamin D levels. The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on the association between OSAS and vitamin D levels.
Key points
Vitamin D insufficiency prevalence is increasing worldwide and presents with similar comorbidities and risk factors to OSAS.
The nonskeletal actions of vitamin D may contribute to the development of OSAS through immune system modulation, myopathy and inflammation.
Studies evaluating serum vitamin D concentrations in OSAS patients and the effect of CPAP treatment report contradictory results, often influenced by confounding factors, such as obesity.
There appears to be potential for use of vitamin D supplementation in OSAS patients as a means of reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, a comorbidity common in both conditions.
Educational aims
To assess the potential association between OSAS and serum levels of vitamin D.
To discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms linking OSAS and vitamin D insufficiency.
To illustrate the effect of CPAP treatment on vitamin D concentration in OSAS patients.
Abstract
Due to multiple confounding factors, vitamin D deficiency is common among sleep apnoea patients; thus, screening should be performed when clinically indicated http://ow.ly/L3ow30krmol
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: None declared.
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