Fatores de risco cardiovascular, distúrbios do sono e colapsabilidade da via aérea superior através do teste da Pressão Negativa Expiratória (NEP) em motoristas profissionais de ônibus interestaduais

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder characterized by the collapse of the upper airway and has a significant prevalence in the occupational class of professional drivers. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of negative expiratory pressure (NEP) test as a proposed screening for the risk of OSA in a population of professional interstate bus drivers. Method: A population of adult male subjects from an interstate bus company participated of this study. They underwent full night polysomnography (PSG), spirometry and NEP test. Results: The mean age of the drivers population was 41.7±6.9 years, mean weight of 81.4±3.3kg and mean body mass index of 27.2±3.3kg/m2. It was found a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to obesity and hypertension in this population. Of the 34 drivers who underwent PSG, 8 (24%) were considered normal, 11 (32%) had mild OSA, 7 (20%) had moderate OSA and 8 (24%) drivers were considered to have severe OSA. It was also found an association between BMI and neck circumference (r=0,466, p=0,005), as well as with the dessaturation index (r=0,478, p=0,004). There was also na association between age and Δ (%) in supine position (r=0,524, p=0.031). Conclusion: A greater emphasis on the prevention and treatment of the risk factors observed is needed, such as educational and nutritional changes and lifestyle. It is expected to continue this research protocol in order to find predictive value for OSA through the NEP test, contributing to early and lower cost diagnosis, thus allowing faster access to the subjects with this disorder, reducing its impact and its complications in the general population.