Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
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Sleep apnea is common in myotonic dystrophy (MD) and may cause respiratory failure. Most of the sleep studies have been performed in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is a characteristic and strong predictor of sleep apnea. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of sleep apnea in adult MD patients who have no EDS. ⋯ Sleep apnea and oxygen desaturations are very common in MD patients who report no excessive daytime sleepiness. Daytime lung function parameters are not sufficiently reliable for screening sleep apnea. Therefore, we recommend routine polysomnography in MD patients.