The novel indicators of moderate to severe sleep apnea: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs. CRP to albumin ratio

The novel indicators of moderate to severe sleep apnea: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs. CRP to albumin ratio:

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating the association of severity of obstructive sleep apnea with the markers of inflammation as fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio.

Methods

We included 126 patients admitted to sleep disorders outpatient clinic. We constituted four groups by reference to the apnea–hypopnea index (mild-moderate-severe sleep apnea and control group). We investigated the difference of white blood cell, fibrinogen to albumin ratio, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and hemoglobin among the groups.

Results

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and hemoglobin did not significantly differ among four groups (p = 0.39, p = 0.06, and p = 0.31, respectively). A significant difference of fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio was evident among four groups (p < 0.001). Fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio did not significantly differ between the mild sleep apnea and control groups (p = 0.65, and p = 0.85, respectively), but were significantly greater in moderate sleep apnea group compared with the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Also, fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio were significantly greater in the severe sleep apnea group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio did not significantly differ between the severe sleep apnea and moderate sleep apnea groups (p = 0.49, and p = 0.58, respectively).

Conclusion

Higher fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio may be predictive of inflammation in patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.