Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been postulated as a risk factor for adverse maternal-fetal outcomes, especially preeclampsia. The physiological changes during pregnancy predispose a woman “at risk” towards developing OSA. Therefore, incidence of OSA may increase among pregnant population. STOP-Bang has been postulated as an acceptable screening tool for OSA in obstetric population.

Objective: To identify the correlation between preeclampsia and patients who were at risk of OSA, based on STOP-Bang, Berlin, and Epworth sleepiness scale.

Materials and Methods: A diagnostic prediction research was conducted using cross-sectional approach. Patients, who have STOP-Bang score of 3 or more and less than 3, were categorized as high-risk and low-risk for OSA, respectively. The relationship between high-risk OSA patients and preeclampsia were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results: Seven hundred and three patients were included, and 47 patients (6.7%) were diagnosed preeclampsia. Six hundred fifty and 53 patients were classified as low-risk and high-risk for OSA, respectively. Fifty percent of the high-risk group were complicated with preeclampsia compared with 2.8% in low-risk group. The odd ratio (OR) of having preeclampsia in high-risk group was 32.6 (95% CI 16.1 to 66.1). The pregnant women, classified as high-risk, were associated with neonatal complications by OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.4 to 8.2) but not maternal complications.

Conclusion: Among pregnant population, a STOP-Bang score of 3 or more is associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia and neonatal complications.

Keywords: STOP-Bang questionnaire; Obstructive sleep apnea; Pregnancy; Preeclampsia

DOI: doi.org/10.35755/jmedassocthai.2021.06.11400

Received 14 May 2020 | Revised 20 March 2021 | Accepted 22 March 2021