Sleep Epidemiology · Published 2026-07-17 · DOI 10.1016/j.sleepe.2026.100152
Phan Thanh Thuy, Doan Thi Hang, Tran Anh Tu, Nguyen Thi Xuan Quynh, Mai Thuy Trang, Vu Dinh Nam, Phan Thu Phuong, Vu Van Giap
Background: COPD–OSA overlap is associated with adverse outcomes, yet data in hospitalized high–risk COPD patients remain limited. We assessed the detection yield of OSA using a STOP–Bang–guided pathway and characterized respiratory–polygraphy findings and AHI correlates in GOLD group E inpatients. Methods: In this hospital–based observational study at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, 5327 COPD patients were evaluated; 1736 were hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation and classified as GOLD group E. All inpatients were screened using STOP–Bang. Patients with STOP–Bang ≥3 were eligible for respiratory polygraphy. OSA was defined as AHI/REI ≥5 events/hour. Associations were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation and linear regression with ln (AHI/REI + 1), adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and PaCO₂. Results: Of 1736 hospitalized COPD patients, 123 underwent respiratory olygraphy and 103 had confirmed OSA, corresponding to a STOP–Bang–guided detection yield of 5.9% rather than an unselected prevalence estimate. OSA severity was mild in 44.7%, moderate in 28.2%, and severe in 27.2%. Median AHI/REI was 16.1 events/h, ODI 19.0 events/h, minimum SpO₂ 80.0%, and T90 47.1 min. AHI/REI correlated weakly with age and BMI. FEV₁% predicted showed no significant association with ln (AHI/REI + 1) after adjustment. Conclusions: STOP–Bang–guided respiratory polygraphy identified clinically relevant OSA and substantial nocturnal desaturation in hospitalized GOLD group E COPD patients. The 5.9% estimate represents detection yield, not OSA prevalence in unselected COPD populations.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Thuy, P., Hang, D., Tu, T., et al. (2026). COPD–OSA overlap in hospitalized GOLD group E patients: Detection yield, nocturnal hypoxemia, and AHI/REI correlates. Sleep Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleepe.2026.100152