Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on health-related quality of life in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the possible risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Methods Patients who underwent partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer completed overnight polysomnography (PSG) home sleep tests and quality of life questionnaires. The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was used to investigate factors influencing HRQoL. Results Fifty-nine patients completed PSG tests and quality of life questionnaires, with 74.6% demonstrating evidence of OSA (Apnea-hyponea Index (AHI) ranging 5.2-49.8 per hour, median 12.8 per hour). There were significant differences in tumor area and neck dissection between OSA group and non-OSA groups. Patients with OSA had significant lower scores of body pain, general health, and health transition in SF-36 domains. Independent factors associated with general health were identified as tobacco use (OR=4.716, 95% CI: 0.207-2.894), alcohol use (OR=3.193, 95% CI: 0.042-2.28), and OSA (OR=11.336, 95% CI: 0.994-3.862). Conclusion Larger tumor area and neck dissection might be associated with an increased risk for developing OSA in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. OSA partially mediated the effect on physical health, including body pain, general health, and health transition. It is important to be aware of the potential impact of OSA on diminished HRQoL of these patients.