Results:
Primary search identified 2512 studies. A total of 18 studies including
2509 participants were included. The two groups were free of
conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Significant structural changes
were observed between the two groups. Patients with OSA exhibited
greater LAVI (3.94 CI [0.8, 7.07]; p=0.000) and left ventricular
mass index (11.10 CI [2.56,19.65]; p=0.000) as compared to control
group. The presence of OSA was also associated with more prolonged DT
(10.44 ms CI [0.71,20.16]; p=0.04), IVRT (7.85 ms CI[4.48,
11.22]; p=0.000), and lower E/A ratio (-0.62 CI [-1,-0.24];
p=0.001) suggestive of early DD. The
E/e’ ratio (0.94 CI[0.44,
1.45]; p=0.000) was increased. Linear correlation between severity of
OSA and LAVI and IVRT parameters was observed but this association did
not sustain for the E/A and E/e’. The ejection fraction was not
significantly different between patients with OSA and healthy controls
(-0.48 CI [-1.18,0.23]; p=0.18).
Conclusion: An association between OSA and echocardiographic
parameters of DD was detected that was independent of conventional
cardiovascular risk factors. OSA may be independently associated with DD
perhaps due to higher LV mass. Investigating the role of CPAP therapy in
reversing or ameliorating diastolic dysfunction is recommended.