BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be closely associated with cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is widely used for assessment of atherosclerosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a new marker associated with atherothrombosis. In this study, we aimed to detect early atherosclerosis by measuring carotid intima-media thickness and to investigate the relationship between MPV and IMT and OSA severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 158 patients who underwent polysomnography and did not have any overt cardiac disease or risk factors. Carotid IMT was measured by ultrasonography. Blood samples were taken for MPV determination. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to OSA severity: control, mild, moderate, and severe OSA.

RESULTS:

CONCLUSIONS: OSA patients appear to have increased carotid IMT suggestive of an atherosclerotic process. Carotid IMT could be a more useful indicator than MPV in these patients. Long-term prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, carotid intima-media thickness, mean platelet volume, Sleep apnea, obstructive