New Markers to Measure Clotting in Patients With the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome(OSAHS)affects at least 4% of males and 2% of females. OSAHS is the combination of excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring and apnoeas (stopping breathing at night). As well as affecting tiredness, mood, concentration and quality of life - there is growing concern that it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes and thromboses (clots in the veins). It appears that OSAHS may affect the thickness of the blood and cause it to clot more easily it also causes damage to the lining of the blood vessels (endothelial injury). These effects seem independent of other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, family history of clots etc. The investigators are testing new biomarkers: gel point and fractal dimension developed at the Swansea University to measure the 'clotting' of the blood in people with OSAHS and a similar group of people who snore and who are sleepy but do not have OSAHS on sleep studies (Controls) Also markers of vascular inflammation are being measured.

Detailed Description
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Primary objective: The primary outcome of this study is to test the null hypothesis that no significant difference exists between fractal dimension (Df)and vascular injury markers including serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)in patients with OSAHS and sleepy, snoring controls of similar age, gender and BMI. Secondary objectives: To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in measured markers before and after a night's sleep in OSAHS and controls. To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in measured markers following 1 month of CPAP treatment, in those with OSAHS.

Official Title
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Novel Biomarkers for Haemostasis in Patients With the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome

Conditions
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome, Biomarkers of Fibrin Clot Structure, Biomarkers of Vascular Endothelial Injury

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18-80 year old with h/o daytime sleepiness, snoring and apnoeas Exclusion Criteria: Refusal to give written informed consent. Personal or family history of pro- thrombotic or bleeding disorders, severe liver disease (clotting problems) and those prescribed warfarin or heparin. Those with borderline sleep studies (4% Diprate or AHI 10-14 per hour). Aged less than 18 years or greater than 80 years.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Difference between fractal dimension (Df) in patients with OSAHS and controls |  | 18 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Difference in Df before and after a night's sleep in OSAHS and controls. |  | 18 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Clot structure, Haemostasis, Gel point, Fractal dimension, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1