The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea characteristics in patients with Barrett’s esophagus

Abstract

An increasing number of patients with Barrett’s espophagus present for diagnostic and/or therapeutic upper GI endoscopy. It has been our impression that a large number of these patients have history and characteristics strongly suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and are, therefore, more challenging to sedate during the upper GI endoscopic procedures. This study was conducted to prospectively quantify the prevalence of OSA characteristics in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Consented patients with Barrett’s esophagus were prospectively screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk using the modified neck circumference questionnaire. The study demonstrated a statistically significant association between Barrett’s esophagus and high OSA risk when compared to the general GI endoscopy population.

Citation: Hannallah M, Exeter Y, Gillespie M, Hoefling J. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea characteristics in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2013;17(1):63-64