0020 Evaluating Genetic Variation as a Possible Method for Increasing Surveillance and Managing Risk of Developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

[摘要] IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasing within the Air Force, with a slight trend appearing to level off more recently. Untreated, OSA’s detrimental effects harm the Airman and jeopardize military operations, placing both human and materiel assets at risk. Current practice within the Air Force sleep standard of care is to evaluate a patient for OSA after appearance of symptoms and after referral from a primary care manager (PCM). When recommending sleep studies, PCMs consider many social, physiological, and environmental risk factors including age, race, obesity, and marital status. As symptoms occur at random, including during flight operations, and that lack of sleep can severely decrease aircrew alertness, we considered options for developing a proactive approach to OSA management, specifically intending to show utility in developing a genetic risk screen to provide PCMs.

[学科分类] 生理学