Zuzana Sopková, Zuzana Dorková, Pavol Joppa, Ružena Tkáčová
Obesity and metabolic syndrome are common among Roma subjects in Slovakia. We hypothesized that Roma subjects are at high risk to suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). 137 non-Roma and 23 Roma subjects referred for a diagnostic polysomnography were consecutively recruited. Overnight polysomnography, anthropometric variables and standard biochemical analyses were analysed. OSA was diagnosed in 91 % Roma and 65 % non-Roma subjects (p < 0,001). Roma subjects had higher apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) (61,2 ± 7,9 versus 22,8 ± 2,3 events/hour, p < 0,001), lower dip oxygen saturation (56,7 ± 4,9 versus 79,3 ± 1,3 %, p < 0.001), and higher waist circumference compared to non-Roma subjects (121,3 ± 3,1 versus 105,2 ± 2,4 cm, p < 0,001). In multiple regression analysis, Roma background (p < 0,001) and waist circumference (p < 0,001) were independent predictors of AHI (R2 = 0,330). Roma background was associated with significantly higher risk of severe OSA (odds ratio 3,73; 95 % confidence interval 1,20 to 11,65, p = 0,023), independently of age, gender and waist circumference. In conclusion, among subjects referred for polysomnography, Roma background is associated with significantly higher risk of severe OSA. Knowledge of common OSA pattern in Roma patients may help to identify high risk individuals and guide early therapy of this disease.