High sleep-related breathing disorders among HIV-infected patients with sleep complaints

Background: Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) not only adversely impact cardiovascular and pulmonary functions but also reduce the quality of life. This study attempted to investigate the severity and related factors of SRBD among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people with sleep complaints. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected people with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values above 5 points. SRBDs were defined as Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) over 5 events/hour by full channel home-based polysomnography (PSG). An AHI greater than 30 was categorized as moderate to severe apnea. All of the participants were asked to rate the severity of their snoring, complete a snore outcomes survey (SOS) and complete the PSQI. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associated factors of severity of SRBD among HIV-infected people. Results: Of 54 male HIV-positive patients with sleep complaints, 34 subjects (62.96%) were diagnosed with SRBDs, and 29.63% were categorized as having moderate to severe SRBD. SOS score was significantly associated with HIV patients with moderate to severe SRBD (adjusted odds ratio = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–1.00, p = 0.045). Conclusions: SRBDs is highly prevalent in male HIV-infected people with sleep complaints. Intensive snoring was one of the indicators associated with the occurrence of moderate to severe SRBDs among HIV-infected people. Healthcare professionals should include snoring screening in the regular course of clinical HIV care.