Table 4.
Selected clinical studies relevant to OSA and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseasea
| Type | Methods | Findings | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver function tests | Retrospective regression analysis of OSA subjects | AHI correlated with elevated aminotransferases | Norman et al. 2008 |
| Obese males with OSA before/after CPAP aminotransferase levels | CPAP decreased aminotransferases | Chin et al. 2003 | |
| Snoring children with suspected OSA evaluated for elevated aminotransferases before/after treatment | Aminotransferases elevated frequently in obese snorers, improved with OSA treatment | Kheirandish-Gozal et al. 2008 | |
| Liver biopsy | Liver biopsies taken at time of bariatric surgery | OSA associated with increased aminotransferases, trend toward progressive liver disease | Kallwitz et al. 2007 |
| Subjects with suspected OSA had polysomnography and a subset (18) had liver biopsy | Severe OSA associated with higher percentage of steatosis, necrosis, and fibrosis | Tanné et al. 2005 |
a
AHI, apnea-hypopnea index; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; OSA, obstructive sleep apnea