Vey low O2 levels at night

[myboys]

I was just diagnosed with OSA, it  mild-moderate I think. But I will be seeing  a Pumonalogist because my sustained levels of O2 at night are below 88. Sometimes as low as 83. It doesn't come up when the apnea event is over, it just stays low (I believe it was written as sustained levels, more than 1/2 of the study). I am on a CPAP now and it seems to be helping a little, but should I be concerned?

I am 41 a non smoker, I have CKD II(stable) and do have some problems with my heart. Recent ECHO shows it's stable too.

I do have shortness of breath when doing normal stuff..and before the c-pap I would wake up at least 5 times a night.) SHould I be concerned about the drop in levels or is it normal?

gracie

[National Jewish Health]

It is surprising that your oxygen saturation remains unchanged with the termination of an apneic episode and the return of breathing, if not normally, nearly so.  This raises the question of your oxygen level while awake, seated at rest.  If it too is low, then you may have a lung condition independent of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or what is called central sleep apnea due to reduced central nervous system (CNS) respiratory drive, sometimes referred to as the Pickwickian syndrome.

Yes, you and your doctors should be concerned if your oxygen level is consistently in the mid to low 80's, as this can lead to pulmonary hypertension.  This drop in levels is not normal and requires further delineation by a pulmonologist or a sleep specialist.

[myboys]

Thank-you for your response. I really appreciate. My cortisone levels were found to be high and I took a Dex test, could the low O2 be related to that??(I don't have the results to that yet.)

My O2 levels rest are around 95-97. Ususally closer to 95.

Thank-you again!!