Sleep-Disordered Breathing Common After Stroke

TOPLINE: 

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 60% of patients with stroke, with prevalence ranging from 57% in North America to 70% in Asia and overall prevalence rates remaining unchanged between 2010 and 2023, new research shows.

METHODOLOGY:

• The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 studies from 26 countries, published between 2010 and 2023 and obtained from six major databases.
• More than 5.7 million patients with ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or hemorrhagic stroke were included.
• SDB was assessed via polysomnography in 59 studies, while other studies used tools such as cardiorespiratory polygraphy, the Berlin questionnaire, and home sleep apnea testing.

TAKEAWAY:

• The overall prevalence of SDB, mild SDB, and severe to moderate SDB in patients with stroke was 65%, 30%, and 45%, respectively. The overall prevalence of SDB remained relatively unchanged during the study period, ranging from 64 to 78%.
• Subgroup analysis showed that Asia had the highest SDB prevalence (70%), followed by Europe (66%) and North America (57%).
• Sex (P P
• SDB prevalence was highest in the subacute stage of stroke, followed by the acute stage; the lowest rates were observed in the chronic stage.

IN PRACTICE:

“Our latest pooled estimate of the overall prevalence of SDB in stroke patients helps to raise awareness among healthcare personnel regarding the evaluation of early warning signs or ‘atypical’ symptoms of SDB after stroke, especially those who have the closest contact with patients in clinical care,” the investigators wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Xiaofeng Su, West China Hospital, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. It was published online on November 18 in Frontiers in Neurology.

LIMITATIONS: 

Substantial heterogeneity existed among the included studies, persisting even after subgroup analysis. Additionally, some studies lacked complete data regarding the pooled number of SDB cases stratified by sex. Information on the prevalence of SDB according to stroke location was also limited.

DISCLOSURES:

The study received no external funding. No conflicts of interest were reported.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.