Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Prognosis in Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of sleep apnea syndrome in stroke patients by polysomnography. METHOD: Fifteen patients with ischemic stroke were studied with polysomnography. Medical history, sleep history, location of stroke, and severity of neurological deficit were recorded. Patients were observed by physician for evidence of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Functional abilities were measured with the use of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). To evaluate the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability (HRV) study was done. RESULTS: Mean SaO2 during polysomnography was 88.2%, and mean recording time was 321 minutes. Apnea types were obstructive, mixed, and central. Respiratory Distress Index (RDI) correlated with functional outcome and mean SaO2. HRV study showed no significant changes under the orthostatic stress in apnea patients. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the sleep apnea syndrome could be a prognostic factor in rehabilitation outcome of stroke.