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Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome has a high prevalence in patients with cystic fibrosis, particularly in pediatric patients.

The pooled prevalence of OSAHS in patients with CF was 48% (I² = 96.5%), with slightly higher rates in pediatric patients than adults. The mean AHI was 3.47 in pediatric and 6.19 in adult CF patients, and those with OSAHS had worse pulmonary function and oxygen saturation.

Last updated: Jul 23, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score47/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in patients with cystic fibrosis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysismeta-analysis.

observational

Zeng J, Yu H, Liu J, Jiang J, Li J, He J · Medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: N/A (observational prevalence study)
Outcome: Prevalence of OSAHS, apnea-hypopnea index, arousal index, oxygen saturation, pulmonary function
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with cystic fibrosis (pediatric and adult)

Result:

PubMed: 42470026DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000049828

Mechanism Graph

Cystic fibrosis leads to airway inflammation and mucus obstruction
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This contributes to upper airway collapse during sleep
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Resulting in increased apnea-hypopnea events
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Result: Higher prevalence of OSAHS in CF patients

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity (I² = 96.5%) suggests variability across studies
  • ⚠Limited number of studies included (14 total), potentially affecting generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prevalence of OSAHS in cystic fibrosis patients?▼

The pooled prevalence is 48%, based on a meta-analysis of 11 studies.

Is OSAHS more common in pediatric or adult CF patients?▼

The prevalence is slightly higher in pediatric CF patients compared to adults.

What is the mean apnea-hypopnea index in CF patients?▼

The mean AHI is 3.47 in pediatric patients and 6.19 in adult patients with CF.

Should CF patients be screened for sleep apnea?▼

Yes, the findings advocate for earlier polysomnography screening in CF patients to facilitate timely intervention.

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References

  1. 1.Zeng J, Yu H, Liu J, Jiang J, Li J, He J. "The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in patients with cystic fibrosis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysismeta-analysis.." Medicine, 2026. PMID: 42470026 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000049828
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.