Identifying subject at risk for obstructive sleep apnea: a comparison of two screening methods

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an often underdiagnosed condition that affects quality of life and health. Early diagnosis and management are essential for reducing complications. Overnight sleep studies have long waiting lists which is why screening should play an essential role in selecting patients with the highest risk of OSA. <bold>Aim:</bold> To compare the diagnostic value of two different OSA screening methods. <bold>Methods:</bold> All the subjects of the study underwent polysomnography at the Department of Pulmonology at HLUHS. Two OSA screening methods – STOP-BANG (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (high blood), BMI, Age, Neck circumference, Gender) and NoSAS (Neck circumference, Obesity, Snoring, Age, Sex) were compared by ROC curve analysis. ESS was also included in the analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> 589 subjects (69,4 % men, 30,6 % women, mean age 54,29 ± 12,42 years) were included. Mild OSA was found in 20,5 %, moderate – 22,4 %, and severe in 46,9 % of patients. 10,2 % of patients had AHI<5/h. ROC curves are presented in Figure 1. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Both STOP-BANG and NoSAS methods confirmed sensitive and specific ability to diagnose OSA. ESS should stay as a sleepiness evaluation method, but OSA suspicion should not be based on ESS. <fig><object-id>erj;66/suppl_69/PA1081/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>