Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      judyh
Text:        I have read that dialysis patients are very susceptible to sleep 
apnea.  Why would they be especially at risk?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      wizkid
Text:        I do not know the direct relationship between dialysis and sleep 
apnea, but here are a few facts which might suggest why:  Sleep apnea may be 
triggered by abnormal proportions of blood gases.  Dialysis may upset the 
balance of blood gases and thus increase the likelihood of apnea.  Dialysis 
patients exhibit high risk of developing neurological disorders, such as 
seizures, brain hemorrhage, and strokes.  There is even a peculiar syndrome 
called dialysis dementia, characterized by dementia, dyspraxia, facial 
grimaces, and abnormal EEG.  Some research suggests that these may be caused 
by high brain aluminum concentrations, and the source of aluminum is 
controversial.  Another possible cause is that dialysis patients are usually 
regularly given anticoagulant medication, which may disturb neural 
circulation.  In any case, dialysis seems to affect neural function, and one 
symptom may be sleep apnea.