Sex Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Including Pregnancy and Response to Treatment

Taylor S Erickson; Megan L Durr

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.001

Sex Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Including Pregnancy and Response to Treatment

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;57(3):467-480. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.001. Epub 2024 Mar 13.

Authors

Taylor S Erickson¹, Megan L Durr²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 2233 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, #3A30, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. Electronic address: Megan.Durr@ucsf.edu.

PMID: 38485541
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.001

Abstract

This article highlights the sex differences in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sheds light on the varying presentations, diagnostic challenges, as well as treatment responses observed in men and women. The disparities in prevalence, manifestations, and therapeutic outcomes underscore the need for a nuanced approach to OSA diagnosis and management that considers sex-specific factors. Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of recognizing and treating OSA during pregnancy, as it poses unique challenges and potential risks to both maternal and fetal health.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Sex differences; Treatment; Women.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Female
Humans
Male
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications* / therapy
Sex Factors
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / diagnosis
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / epidemiology
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / therapy