BACKGRUOUND To identify a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and evaluate the effects of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery on improving OSA in patients with acromegaly.

METHODS We prospectively enrolled adults with acromegaly scheduled for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. All measurements were conducted when participants were admitted for a baseline work-up for acromegaly before surgery and surveillance approximately 3 to 6 months after surgery. Respiratory event index (REI) was used as a surrogate for apnea-hypopnea index (Trial Registration: NCT03526016).

RESULTS Of the 35 patients with acromegaly (median age, 47 years; 40% men; median body mass index, 24.4 kg/m2), 24 (68.6%) had OSA (REI ≥5/hour), 15 (42.9%) had moderate-to-severe OSA (REI ≥15/hour). At baseline, serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were positively correlated with the REI (ρ=0.53, P=0.001). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of a Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure-Body mass index, age, Neck circumference, and Gender (STOP-Bang) score ≥ 3 were 93.3% and 87.5%, respectively, detecting moderate-to-severe OSA. Biochemical acromegaly remission was achieved in 32 (91.4%) patients. The median difference in the REI was -9.5/hour (95% confidence interval, -13.3 to -5.3). Half of the 24 patients diagnosed with OSA preoperatively had REI <5/hour postoperatively. In a linear mixed-effects model, changes in the REI across surgery were related to changes in IGF-1 levels.

CONCLUSION The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a reliable tool for OSA among patients with acromegaly. Improvement in OSA severity after surgery is related to decreased IGF-1 levels.