Hematology/Oncology

Obstructive sleep apnea & Polycythemia: Mechanism

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is thought to lead to secondary polycythemia due to intermittent hypoxia, which stimulates the release of erythropoietin (EPO) and increases red blood cell production. While some studies suggest a connection between OSA and secondary polycythemia, the prevalence and significance of this relationship remain debated. A recent meta-anaylsis showed that only 2% of OSA patients had evidence of polycythemia [2].

References

  1. Nguyen CD, Holty JC. Does untreated obstructive sleep apnea cause secondary erythrocytosis? Respir Med. 2017 Sep;130:27-34. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.003.
  2. Martelli V, Carelli E, Tomlinson GA, Orchanian-Cheff A, Kuo KHM, Lyons OD, Ryan CM. Prevalence of elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and the impact of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure: a meta-analysis. Hematology. 2022 Dec;27(1):889-901
Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Recent Posts

Pale Stool, Dark Urine & Biliary Obstruction: Mechanism

Catabolism of hemoglobin leads to the release of heme, which converts to biliverdin and then…

5 hours ago

Why is Tongue Scalloping seen with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Tongue scalloping refers to the series of indentations along the sides of the tongue that…

1 month ago

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

6 months ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

6 months ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

2 years ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.