Obstructive sleep apnoea and post operative complications
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective cohort study of the effect of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea on post operative complications following major surgery
IRAS ID
209457
Contact name
Simon V Baudouin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Post-operative complications occur in approximately 4% of patients with the majority recorded after major surgery. Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is present in between 20-30% of patients undergoing major, elective surgery. OSA is a pattern of recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. OSA may contribute to the development of post-operative problems including respiratory, cardiac and infection complications. There is some evidence that undiagnosed (OSA) is an independent risk factor for post-operative complications. However these studies have mostly been retrospective and have used indirect methods of detecting the presence of OSA before surgery.
We aim to conduct a prospective cohort study to determine whether undiagnosed OSA has a significant independent impact on post-operative complications following major elective surgery. We will initially conduct a smaller, feasibility study to estimate important trial variables and inform the design of the larger study. We will recruit patients from pre-operative assessment units at higher post-operative risk, using standard screening criteria already routinely used in these clinics. Patients with known OSA will be excluded from the study. All participants will undergo a simple, non-invasive home respiratory polygraphy study before operation. These devices are routinely used by the sleep service to diagnose OSA. The studies will be archived and only analysed once the patient has been discharged form hospital. Routine clinical peri-operative data will be prospectively collected including length of hospital stay. Complications recorded will include the prescription of additional antibiotics, the need for additional radiological investigations, unscheduled admission to critical care, the need for prolonged oxygen therapy, and any subsequent interventional procedures. Patients who are found to have OSA on completion of the study will be offered appointments at a Sleep clinic.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0010
Date of REC Opinion
12 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion