Peripheral Nerve Function Changes Due to Hypoxia in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction: Chronic hypoxia is known to be one of the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy. However, the effect of intermittent hypoxia on peripheral nerves is not fully understood. This study evaluated the relation between intermittent hypoxia and peripheral nerve function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 86 patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and electroneuromyography were enrolled. Participants with diseases affecting peripheral nerves and lung function were excluded from the study. Hypoxia parameters were obtained from the PSG study. Lower extremity motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of all patients were evaluated. Results: In patients with OSA, peroneal nerve distal motor latency and sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude was low and velocity was significantly slower than controls (p