Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction/Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major health issue characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition that can exacerbate complications in patients with COPD. The coexistence of COPD and OSA, known as "overlap syndrome," has been linked to worse patient outcomes, including higher cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality.
Research Question: How does the presence of OSA affect mortality patterns in COPD across different age, sex, and racial groups?
Goals/Aims: To analyze mortality patterns in COPD with and without the presence of OSA.
Methods/Approach: This retrospective study used CDC’s public mortality data from 1999 to 2020 to identify patients aged 35 and older with COPD (ICD-10 codes J40-J44) and those with OSA (ICD-10 code G-47.3). Mortality patterns were assessed across different age ranges, genders, and races. Statistical analyses included an independent two-sample t-test (Welch’s t-test) to compare average ages of death and Chi-Square Tests to assess differences in mortality patterns due to specific causes. Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results/Data: The study identified 5,952,368 deaths in patients with COPD, including 68,935 deaths in patients with both COPD and OSA. Leading causes of death were chronic lower respiratory diseases and diseases of the heart. The highest mortality in COPD-only cohort occurred in the 80-84 age group, while in COPD+OSA group was in the 70-74 age group. The weighted average age of death was 76.56 years for the COPD-only group and 69.34 years for the COPD + OSA group (p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in mortality patterns across age groups, with higher heart disease mortality risk in the older (i.e.,55+) COPD+OSA population. Men showed higher crude death rates in both groups. COPD + OSA mortality odds were higher in American Indian or Alaska Native and African American populations compared to Whites.
Conclusion(s): OSA significantly impacts cardiac-related mortality in patients with COPD, evidenced by a lower average age of death and increased cardiovascular mortality risk in higher age groups. Early diagnosis and effective management of OSA in COPD patients are crucial for reducing premature mortality and improving outcomes.