Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Women: Evolution Across Life Span
摘要
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents distinct characteristics in women throughout their lifespan, notably influenced by physiological changes associated with pre-childbearing, childbearing, and peri-menopausal to post-menopausal stages. Recent advancements in the phenotyping and endotyping of OSA have enhanced our understanding of sex differences within the disorder, facilitating the development of more effective detection and treatment strategies specifically tailored for women. The growing recognition of OSA’s implications during pregnancy has prompted the publication of consensus statements from relevant professional societies, emphasizing the importance of addressing OSA in maternal healthcare. This chapter comprehensively reviews OSA in women, focusing on critical aspects, such as physiological changes and upper airway endotypes, clinical manifestations, differential phenotyping, and detection methodologies. Moreover, it explores treatment options, including both positive airway pressure (PAP) and non-PAP therapies, to provide a holistic understanding of OSA management in female patients.