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Negative polysomnogram in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912.
Chest
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Some obstructive sleep apnea patients may have a negative initial sleep study. Repeat testing is crucial, as initial results can be falsely negative due to factors like prior therapy or reduced sleep time.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- Initial polysomnography (PSG) is the standard diagnostic tool for OSA.
- False-negative results can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and potential reasons for false-negative initial polysomnograms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of polysomnograms from 1984-1990.
- Identified patients with initially negative PSG but confirmed OSA on repeat testing.
- Analyzed patient demographics, apnea index, sleep parameters, and prior treatments.
Main Results:
- Nine patients (average age 44.2) had negative initial PSG but confirmed OSA on repeat.
- Initial studies showed low apnea index (<5) and few apneic episodes (<20).
- Significantly reduced total sleep time and REM sleep were noted in initial studies compared to diagnostic PSGs.
Conclusions:
- A subset of obstructive sleep apnea patients may present with falsely negative initial polysomnograms.
- Factors contributing to false negatives may include prior therapies, reduced total sleep time, and reduced REM sleep.
- Repeat polysomnography is essential for accurate OSA diagnosis in suspicious cases.