Subclinical atherosclerosis in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The EPIOSA study

Background: OSA is associated with clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), but its relation to subclinical atherosclerosis remains controversial. Few studies have examined the association between OSA and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate of atherosclerosis, most of which are small case-control samples or with comorbidities. Aim: To assess whether patients with OSA without CVD, chronic diseases or CVD risk factors have subclinical atherosclerosis evaluated by IMT compared to controls. Methods As a part of Epigenetics modifications in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (EPIOSA) , a prospective clinical-based study to elucidate the mechanisms of CVD in OSA ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02131610 ), we measured IMT in subjects 25-60 years old, who underwent sleep study. We excluded smokers and those with a body mass index (BMI)u003e35 kg/m 2 or any comorbid condition. OSA severity classified according to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Results: 183 subjects recruited: 38 controls (AHI Conclusions: In an otherwise healthy population, AHI is not an independent predictor of IMT, a surrogate of subclinical atherosclerosis. Supported by: ISCIII (PI12/01275), SEPAR (071/2012) and SADAR (02/2013).