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Obstructive sleep apnoea — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateRespiratoryObstructive sleep apnoeaRACP Adult Medicine

A 52-year-old man with obesity, resistant hypertension and daytime sleepiness undergoes overnight polysomnography. The study shows an apnoea-hypopnoea index of 46 events per hour with oxygen desaturation to 78%. What is the most important prognostic factor?

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Correct answer: D — Severity of nocturnal obstructive events and oxygen desaturation burden

High AHI and hypoxic burden correlate with cardiovascular and neurocognitive risk in obstructive sleep apnoea. Snoring volume is not a reliable severity measure. Blood pressure matters clinically but does not stage OSA, and nasal anatomy or caffeine intake are less prognostically central.

Reference: Australasian Sleep Association guidance; TSANZ