significance of the relative lymphocyte count as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not relative lymphocyte count [RLC] is associated with cardiovascular disease [CVD] in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [OSAS]

Subjects and Methods: In this study, 141 patients diagnosed with OSAS using polysomnography were enrolled. Patients were classified according to the severity of OSAS as determined by the apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and presence of CVD. Lymphocyte count and other hematological parameters at complete blood count were determined and compared between patients with and without CVD. Multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the associated factors for presence of CVD

Results: Absolute and relative lymphocyte counts were lower in the OSAS patients with CVD compared to those without CVD [mean absolute lymphocyte counts: 2.0 × 103 vs. 2.5 × 103 microl, p = 0.004, and mean RLC: 28.3 vs. 33.9%, p = 0.001, respectively]. OSAS patients with CVD [14.2] had higher red cell distribution width values than the patients without CVD [13.4] [p = 0.005]. Multivariate analysis identified RLC as an independent predictor of CVD in patients with OSAS [odds ratio = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.85-1.0, p = 0.042]

Conclusion: RLC was identified as an independent predictor of CVD in patients with OSAS. Since RLC is a widely available diagnostic tool with no additional costs over the routinely performed complete blood count, it can be used for predicting CVD in patients with OSAS

Evaluation of Temperament and Character Features as Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related movement disorder that is frequently associated with psychological disturbances. Personality traits are of considerable importance with respect to coping with chronic illness and disease vulnerability. This study assessed the temperament and character traits of RLS patients using an approach that involves the psychobiological model of personality. METHODS: The personality features of 65 newly diagnosed and untreated RLS patients with no neurological or psychiatric diseases and 109 healthy controls were determined using the Temperament and Character Inventory and compared using covariance analyses. The International RLS Study Group Severity Scale was used to assess the severity of the RLS symptoms, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: RLS patients scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the temperament dimension of harm avoidance (HA, p=0.02) and significantly lower on self-directedness (SD, p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in terms of the temperament dimension of novelty seeking (p=0.435). HA scores were significantly correlated with the BDI score but not with the RLS severity or duration. CONCLUSIONS: High HA and low SD scores are the main characterizing personality features of RLS patients. These personality dimensions may be among the factors predisposing patients to development of the depressive symptoms that are frequently associated with RLS.