Polysomnographic diagnoses among former world trade center rescue workers and volunteers

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2012;67(4):239-42. doi: 10.1080/19338244.2012.725230.

Abstract

An increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been suggested for World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed workers. The authors reviewed the results from nocturnal polysomnograms (PSGs), to investigate diagnostic differences between WTC-exposed and -unexposed subjects. Six hundred fifty-six nocturnal PSGs performed at our sleep center were reviewed, 272 of them in former WTC workers. Seven diagnostic categories were compared between the 2 groups by bivariate and logistic regression analyses. The WTC group had a significantly higher predominance of the male gender, but slightly lower body mass index (BMI). There was no significant difference in the distribution of PSG diagnoses between the 2 groups in unadjusted (p = .56) or adjusted (p = .49) analyses. The authors did not identify a significant difference in PSG diagnoses between the WTC-exposed and -unexposed subjects. OSA was significantly associated with age, BMI, and gender in this patient population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Emergency Responders*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Polysomnography*
  • Risk Factors
  • September 11 Terrorist Attacks*
  • Sex Factors
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / etiology*