[Role of sex and age as predictors of an apnea and hypopnea index higher than 5/hour in patients with normal body mass index using respiratory polygraphy].

INTRODUCTION: To establish whether predictors of sleep apnea (OSAHS) from patients with normal body mass index (BMI) could facilitate the prioritization of candidates for sleep tests. Aim To describe the role of sex and age as predictors of apnea and hypopnea index (AHI)>5 events per hour in patients with normal BMI (<25kg/m(2)).

METHODS: Retrospective study of patients referred for home respiratory polygraphy level iii.

RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients with BMI<25kg/m(2), of which 70 had OSA defined by an AHI>5/h were analyzed. The clinical variables to predict AHI>5/h in a multiple logistic regression model, found statistical significance for age>60 years (OR=5.67; 95% CI 2.38-13.53; P<.0001) and male (OR=3.15; 95% CI 1.47-6.73; P<.003).

CONCLUSION: Forty-eight point ninety-five percent of normal weight patients in a population at risk had OSAHS defined by an AHI>5/h. The sex and age would be risk predictors in this population and most likely in men.