Erythropoietin concentrations in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Goldman, J M; Ireland, R M; Berthon-Jones, M; Grunstein, R R; Sullivan, C E; Biggs, J C · Thorax · 1991

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

Eight patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and a normal haemoglobin concentration underwent nocturnal studies during which oxyhaemoglobin saturation was recorded continuously with an ear oximeter and serum erythropoietin concentration was measured hourly by means of a radioimmunoassay. Serum erythropoietin concentrations remained within the normal range throughout the study despite falls in oxyhaemaglobin saturation in individuals to 33-78%. There was no relation between the degree of nocturnal hypoxaemia and serum erythropoietin concentrations. The brief cyclical episodes of hypoxaemia typical of obstructive sleep apnoea may not be a sufficient stimulus for erythropoietin secretion.

Medical subject headings