Reference:
Thomas R, Shin C, Bianchi M, Kushida, C, Yun C. Distinct Polysomnographic and ECG-spectrographic phenotypes embedded within obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Science and Practice 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s41606-017-0012-9
Objectives:
To explore other phenomena than the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and its derivatives of possible interest and importance, such as periods of stable breathing, features suggestive of high respiratory control loop gain and sleep fragmentation phenotypes. A broader phenotype designation can provide insights into biological processes, and possibly clinical therapy outcome effects.
Conclusions:
Distinct phenotypes are readily seen at all severities of sleep apnea and can be identified from conventional polysomnography. The ECG-spectrogram analysis provides further phenotypic differentiation.
Practical Significance:
ECG-derived Distinct phenotypes of fragmentation, consolidation and high loop gain can be identified by cardiopulmonary coupling analysis for electrocardiograms.