Abstract:

Objective To analyze the correlation of neck circumference (NC) with sleepingrespiratory parameters and dimensions of upper airway in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods 61 OSAHS patients diagnosed by polysomnogaphy (PSG) were included in this study. With CT scanning, the velopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal crosssectional area, dimensions of upper airway and the area ratio of pharynx/neck were measured. NC, body mass index (BMI), height and weight were collected. The correlation between NC and the other parameters were analyzed. Results In 61 OSAHS patients, NC was positively correlated with BMI (r=0.623, P<0.01), and positively correlated with T90 and ODI， respectively (r=0.284, P<0.05; r=0.260, P<0.05). NC was negatively correlated with LSaO2 (r=-0.317, P<0.05), as well as two area ratios of pharynx/neck (r=-0.258, P<0.05; r=-0.276, P<0.05). Finally, NC was positively correlated with the front diameter of velopharyngeal region and the back diameter of glossopharygeal region (r=0.293, P<0.05; r=0.290, P<0.05). Conclusion The increasing NC can scale down the crosssectional area of upper airway and aggravate airway obstruction, hypertrophy of soft palate, and hyoxemia. NC is a good predictor for the development of OSAHS.

Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome; Body mass index; Neck circumference; Oxygen desaturation index; Airway obstruction