Detection of thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha and anticardiolipin antibody in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Objective: To observe the changes of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-K-PGF1alpha) and anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) before and after institution of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP).

Methods: Sixty cases of OSAHS confirmed by polysomnography (PSG) were selected as the trial group, and 20 normal donors without OSAHS were recruited as the control group. Nineteen patients with severe OSAHS were treated by nCPAP. Plasma levels of TXB(2), 6-K-PGF1alpha were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Plasma (serum) level of TXB(2) (ACA) was significantly higher in patients with moderate to severe OSAHS than that in control group (P < 0.01), and nCPAP therapy decreased its level significantly (P < 0.01). Plasma level of 6-K-PGF1alpha was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), and nCPAP therapy increased its level significantly (P < 0.01). TXB(2) and ACA were correlated positively with AHI, and negatively with minimal oxygen saturation (P < 0.01). 6-K-PGF1alpha was correlated negatively with AHI, and positively with minimal oxygen saturation (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The results indicate that patients with OSAHS are susceptible to thromboembolism disease. TXB(2), 6-K-PGF1alpha, ACA may be associated with the high prevalence of thromboembolism in patients with OSAHS. nCPAP therapy is effective in correcting TXB(2), 6-K-PGF1alpha, ACA.