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Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Men’s Health Clinic: The Utility of Home Sleep Apnea Testing During COVID-19
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Men’s Health Clinic: The Utility of Home Sleep Apnea Testing During COVID-19

Alexander Hart, Steffanie Robertus, Mark Dyken and Amy Pearlman
American journal of men's health, Vol.15(3), pp.155798832110294-15579883211029460
06/30/2021
DOI: 10.1177/15579883211029460
PMCID: PMC8252351
PMID: 34190623
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883211029460View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify symptoms of men presenting for an outpatient urology visit that prompted referral for a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) to assess for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by a single provider. To assess the proportion of patients referred for the HSAT who underwent the test and, out of these patients, the proportion of men diagnosed with sleep apnea, we performed a retrospective chart review of men 18–99 years old seen by a single provider in the Department of Urology referred for an HSAT to evaluate for presenting symptoms. Patients with a prior diagnosis of OSA were excluded. Eighteen patients were identified (mean age at time of referral 51 + SD 13 years). Half of patients reported erectile dysfunction/concerns, 56% reported nocturia, 44% had been diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, and 39% reported low libido. Nearly all (89%) of patients snored, all reported fatigue, 56% were over the age of 50, 44% had a BMI >35, and 78% had hypertension. Twelve patients completed the HSAT, all of whom were diagnosed with OSA for which continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was initiated. Men presenting with genitourinary concerns to an outpatient urology clinic may also have OSA. About half of included patients reported genitourinary concerns. Hundred percent of patients who completed their sleep study were diagnosed with OSA. Genitourinary concerns, in addition to signs and symptoms commonly associated with OSA, should prompt consideration of sleep apnea evaluation.
behavioral issues erectile dysfunction hypertension obesity obstructive sleep apnea Original physiological and endocrine disorders sexuality

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