BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often reported in connection with interstitial lung disease. As yet, there is insufficient data on the association of OSA severity parameters with lung involvement. We purposed to assess the frequency of OSA in our study group and to investigate the relationship between radiological involvement and OSA severity parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 79 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent spirometry, a carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO), high-resolution computed tomography, and polysomnography. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.

RESULTS: Of the 79 patients, 53 patients (67.1%) had OSA, and there was a negative correlation between DLCO and the mean time spent with oxygen saturation levels below 90% (r=–0.686, P=0.001). The Warrick score was used as an indicator of the extent and severity of pulmonary involvement and was positively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and the mean time spent with oxygen saturation below 90% (r=0.275, P=0.014; r=0.264 P=0.019; r=0.235, P=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS: In our study, a significant relationship was found between the Warrick score and the OSA severity parameters, as determined by polysomnography. Polysomnographic examinations might be useful, especially in patients with a Warrick score greater than 15, to avoid possible complications.

Keywords: Lung Diseases, Interstitial, Polysomnography, Sleep apnea, obstructive, Blood Gas Analysis, Body Mass Index, Oxygen, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Spirometry, Tomography, X-Ray Computed