PMID: 40468243 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40468243/

Abstract

PURPOSE: With the rising prevalence of severe obesity, the coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often progresses to triple overlap syndrome, a condition with significant health implications. However, its prevalence remains poorly understood. Using population-based data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined the prevalence of triple overlap of COPD, severe obesity, and high risk for OSA (HR-OSA) and associated sociodemographic factors among US adults.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using NHANES data between 2005 and 2008 and 2015-March 2020. COPD diagnosis was collected via self-report questionnaire. HR-OSA was determined by an adapted Multivariable Apnea Prediction index. Severe obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥ 40.0 kg/m.

RESULTS: From 2005 to 2008 to 2015-March 2020, the proportion of participants with triple overlap of COPD, severe obesity, and HR-OSA increased from 0.653% (95% CI, 0.651-0.655%) to 1.560% (95% CI, 1.557-1.563%). During the same period, the increase in the age-standardized prevalence of severe obesity (from 6.298% [95% CI, 6.291-6.305%] to 8.943% [95% CI, 8.936-8.950%]) and HR-OSA (from 58.667% [95% CI, 58.646-58.688%] to 58.776% [95% CI, 58.758-58.794%]; ) exceeded the increase for COPD (from 9.223% [95% CI, 9.215-9.231%] to 10.213% [95% CI, 10.206-10.220%]). Women and those with low family income were more likely to have triple overlap of COPD, severe obesity, and HR- OSA.

CONCLUSION: The triple overlap of COPD, severe obesity, and HR-OSA significantly increased among US adults over the past 15 years, with disparities across different sociodemographic groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.