The Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
Summary: In a systematic review referenced via PMC, Caroline Fife, MD, highlights findings from 11 cohort and 1 case–control study (combined sample >58 million) evaluating how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or high risk of OSA relate to wound healing outcomes. The review finds higher risk of wound infection and dehiscence in patients with OSA; evidence on healing time is conflicting and overall quality is low due to risk of bias.
Key Highlights:
- Patients with OSA are more likely to experience wound infection and wound edge separation (dehiscence) post-surgery.
- Data on time to heal are mixed: one study reported faster healing in OSA patients, but others show delays.
- Strength of evidence is limited: high heterogeneity among studies, inconsistent definitions of OSA and wound healing metrics, and potential confounding.
- Implication: wound care clinicians should consider screening for sleep apnea in non-healing wounds, as OSA may be an underrecognized risk factor.
Read the review on CarolineFifeMD.com
Keywords:
obstructive sleep apnea,
wound infection,
wound dehiscence,
surgical wounds,
Caroline Fife