ONE in 3 men in Saudi Arabia are at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to statistics revealed at the 4th Gulf Sleep Medicine Meeting held recenlty in Dubai. Philips Respironics and the Saudi Sleep Medicine Group (SSMG) demonstrated and discussed recent innovations in Sleep Diagnostics and Therapy Solutions at the event, which was chaired by Dr. Hamdan Al Jahdali, Associate Professor at King Saud University for Health Services and Head of Pulmonary Division and Medical Director of Sleep Disorders Center in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. The event was attended by more than 90 senior specialists from the Sleep Medicine Community in Middle East as well as representatives from Philips Respironics. The meeting discussed issues around obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including the latest clinical research on PAP Therapy, diabetes millitus, stroke and also sleep disorders in children. Recent diagnostics tools were showcased along with a Berlin prevalence study in females and males in Saudi Arabia. OSA is a disorder characterized by airway collapse behind the tongue during sleep, which obstructs breathing. It affects approximately 4 percent of the adult population. If OSA is untreated, it can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that approximately 100 million people worldwide suffer from the condition. This study is the first to assess the prevalence of OSA in Saudi Arabia, looking at high-risk individuals such as middle-aged Saudi males and women using the Berlin questionnaire and primary care settings. The study was conducted at King Khalid University and King Fahd National Guard primary healthcare clinics in Riyadh between December 2005 and March 2006. The Berlin Questionnaire was administered by trained medical students to Saudi male patients in the age group 30-65 years attending the primary health care clinics. 578 middle-aged Saudi males were surveyed, with results showing that 52.3 percent had snoring problems. Breathing pauses more than once per week were recorded in 11.3 percent. This shows that in primary care setting, 1 in 3 middle aged males are at risk for OSA. Deya Mudallal, Senior Regional Sales Manager HHS, MEA at Philips, said: “This study gives us great insights and allows us to better tackle this condition. As a global leader in the management of sleep disorders, Philips Respironics has developed an extensive range of products and solutions, from diagnostics tools through patient-centered sleep therapy devices, to help enhance the quality of sleep and improve peoples' health.” “This event has also highlighted the need for ongoing research into this subject, and we hope to continue our work with SSMG to provide further statistics and insight on OSA in the coming years.” Prof. Ahemd BaHammam, Consultant of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and Director of Sleep Disorders Center at King Saud University in Riyadh, said: “Considering the high prevalence and the serious consequences of OSA, efforts are needed to build up and advance this specialty in the Middle East. It is very important for physicians in the primary healthcare sector to be fully educated and trained on the diagnosis and treatment of OSA to help improve the detection and make sure they are tackled and detected earlier. – SG
