Nasal Resistance and Inflammation Linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea in World Trade Center Responders

Strategic Insights -

New research from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey has shed light on the potential mechanisms behind the higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in World Trade Center responders with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that elevated nasal inflammatory markers were present in patients with CRS, but these markers were not correlated with nasal resistance. This suggests that factors such as increased supraglottic inflammation or systemic inflammation may be involved in the pathophysiology of OSA in this population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among World Trade Center responders was estimated to be 75% in a previous study.
  • Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were identified as an independent risk factor for OSA in this population.
  • The study examined the relationship between elevated awake supine nasal resistance and OSA, CRS, and/or nasal inflammatory biomarkers in 601 individuals enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.
  • Only 24.8% of participants had low nasal resistance, while 74.8% and 74.4% had high nasal resistance respectively, and still had OSA.
  • Patients with CRS had elevated nasal inflammatory markers, but did not have high nasal resistance.
  • Nasal inflammatory markers were not correlated with nasal resistance, suggesting that other factors may be involved in the pathophysiology of OSA in this population.

Statistics:

  • 601 individuals were enrolled in the study.
  • 83% of participants were male, with an average age of 53 years and a body mass index of 29.9 ± 5.5 kg/m.
  • 74.8% and 74.4% of participants with low and high nasal resistance respectively, had OSA.
  • Nasal inflammatory markers included interleukin 6, interleukin 8, eosinophilic cationic protein, and neutrophil.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Obstructive Sleep Apnea Findings from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey Discussed (Nasal resistance and inflammation: mechanisms for obstructive sleep apnea from chronic rhinosinusitis). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 13, 2025; p 3735.
  • Nasal resistance and inflammation: mechanisms for obstructive sleep apnea from chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024;20(10):1627-1636.