Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

Prospective Observational Cohort Study on the Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) obstruction of the upper airways, leading to intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a chronic condition defined by the narrowing or occlusion of arteries in the lower limbs, often resulting in ischemia of downstream tissues. This disease is a common complication of atherosclerosis and affects approximately 1.2% of the general French population.

OSAS is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, particularly for coronary and neurovascular events. Although a relationship between OSAS and PAOD has been investigated in recent years, the link has not been definitively established and requires further study. Therefore, this preliminary cohort study aims to observe the prevalence of OSAS among patients diagnosed with PAOD, regardless of the disease stage.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PAOD, seen either during hospitalization or in an outpatient vascular medicine consultation. Inclusion is permitted regardless of the disease stage (according to the Leriche and Fontaine classification) or prior surgical intervention.
3. No objection to the use of their pseudonymised medical data
4. Polygraphy scheduled as part of routine care within one month.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to perform the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) or sleep polygraphy due to physical or cognitive constraints (e.g., severe dementia, limb malformation, etc.).
2. History of OSAS diagnosis confirmed by polygraphy, and currently receiving nocturnal treatment (e.g., Continuous Positive Airway Pressure - CPAP)