Polysomnographic indicators of mortality in stroke patients

Laura B Ponsaing, Helle K Iversen, Poul Jennum

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Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess polysomnographic indicators of increased mortality risk in patients with stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS: We performed polysomnographies in 63 acute stroke/TIA patients. Mortality data were collected from a national database after a 19-37-month follow-up period.

RESULTS: Of the 57 stroke and 6 TIA patients, 9 stroke patients died during follow-up. All nine had moderate or severe sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs). Binarily divided, the group with the highest apnea hypopnea index (AHI) had an almost 10-fold higher mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR) 9.71; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.20-78.29; p = 0.033) compared to the patients with the lowest AHI. The patients with the longest versus shortest nocturnal wake time had a higher mortality (HR 8.78; 95 % CI 1.1-71.8; p = 0.0428). Lung disease increased mortality (HR 9.92; 95 % CI 2.00-49.23; p = 0.005), and there was a trend toward a higher mortality risk with atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR 3.63; 95 % CI 0.97-13.51; p = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS: In stroke patients, the AHI and nocturnal wake time are indicators of increased mortality risk. SRBDs in stroke patients should receive increased attention.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSleep and Breathing
Volume21
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)235-242
Number of pages8
ISSN1520-9512
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2017

Keywords

  • Journal Article

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