Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Vitamin D
Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Vitamin D
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a highly prevalent disorder with
 multiple comorbidities.

 OSAHS is characterized by repetitive episodes of airflow reduction (hypopnoea) or cessation
 (apnoea) due to upper airway collapse during sleep. Its major risk factor is obesity.
 However, its pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial. Reduced upper airway muscle tonus
 and/or unstable neuromuscular output seem to be involved in this collapsus.

 A normal vitamin D status is necessary for normal muscle function and neuromuscular output.
 As obesity is associated with a high rate of hypovitaminosis D, it appears of interest to
 evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on OSAHS patients with vitamin D deficiency.
Prospective, longitudinal, double bind, randomized study of the effect of vitamin D
 supplementation in OSAHS patients with hypovitaminosis D.

 After written informed consent, patients will be randomized to receive a single dose of oral
 vitamin D (400 000 UI) or placebo. Subjects will undergo medical screening before
 randomisation into placebo or active group. Follow-up measurements will be performed at the
 beginning (day 0) and after 32 days of vitamin D supplementation: clinical examination,
 biological check up and sleep parameter evaluation. Patients will be instructed to stop using
 continuous positive airway pressure device for two nights before nocturnal sleep studies.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (AHI > 15)

 -  With or without continuous positive airway pressure for a minimum of six months

 -  aged 30-75 years

 -  Vitamin D2D3 level < 30 ng/ml

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Diseases or therapy known to interfere with phospho-calcium or vitamin D metabolism

 -  Patients with mixed sleep apnoea (central and obstructive)

 -  Patients with CPAP use < 4 hours per night

 -  Patients with maxillofacial or oro-pharyngeal diseases)

 -  Patients with chronic respiratory failure, hypercapnic patients

 -  Muscle diseases

 -  Alcohol intake > 2 glasses per day

 -  Body mass index > 40 kg/m2