Screening patients with metabolic syndrome for risk of obstructive sleep apnea: the syndrome Z

Aims: Syndrome Z is defined as the coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic syndrome. As family medicine takes on the role of preventive medicine, syndrome Z is gaining importance in primary care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of syndrome Z in primary care by examining the risk of OSA in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome according to NCEP-ATP III criteria was conducted at the family health center. Patients’ anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, neck circumference, height, and weight) were recorded. OSA risk assessment scales included the Berlin and STOP-BANG questionnaires, which have been shown in studies to be more sensitive tests and were therefore selected for use in our study. Results: Of 156 participants, 37.8% (n=59) were at high risk for OSA on both questionnaires. According to STOP-BANG, 57.4% of men and 31.6% of women were at high risk, which was statistically significant. No association was found between OSA and diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, in both questionnaires, obesity and high body-mass index significantly increased the risk of OSA. The area under the curve was 0.649 with a specificity of 80.6% using a cut-off of 34.5 kg/m² for BMI. Conclusion: Obese individuals with metabolic syndrome should be assessed for syndrome Z in primary care settings and preventive services should be offered to those at risk.