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Published on: December 6, 2016
Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in snorers
Abdulsalam Saif Ibrahim1, Ahmed Ali Almohammed, Mona Hassan Allangawi
1Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. salam145@yahoo.com
Male gender, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, and witnessed apneas are key indicators for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in snorers. These factors are crucial for screening individuals who may require further polysomnography (PSG) testing.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Diagnostic Tools
Background:
- Snoring is a prevalent symptom associated with a significant risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of various risk factors in identifying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals who snore.
- To determine the most significant predictors of OSA in a snorer population undergoing full-night polysomnography (PSG).
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to patients referred for PSG between April 2002 and March 2005.
- Data from 227 PSG studies were analyzed, identifying 191 snorers.
Main Results:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed in 66% of snorers (Respiratory Disturbance Index >5 events/hour).
- Male gender, higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, larger neck circumference, increased age, and witnessed apneas were associated with OSA.
- While OSA prevalence was higher in males, increased body mass index was linked to OSA only in females.
Conclusions:
- Male gender, ESS, and witnessed apneas are the most critical predictors for screening snorers for OSA.
- Additional factors should be considered when referring snorers for PSG.
- Obesity did not appear to be a significant risk factor for OSA in the male participants of this study.
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