The NAMES assessment: a novel combined-modality screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Diagnostic Tools
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently underdiagnosed, impacting overall health.
• Current screening relies on symptoms or physical exams, but not both.
• A comprehensive screening tool is needed for early OSA detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and validate the NAMES assessment, a novel screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Combine self-reported historical factors with physical examination findings for improved OSA detection.
• Evaluate the NAMES assessment's efficacy against existing screening methods.

Main Methods:

• Adults suspected of OSA underwent questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Berlin) and physical exams (neck circumference, modified Friedman grade, BMI).
• The NAMES score was calculated using neck circumference, airway classification, comorbidities, Epworth scale, and snoring.
• Performance was compared to Berlin questionnaire and Epworth scale in a validation group of 509 subjects.

Main Results:

• The NAMES assessment demonstrated comparable test characteristics to the Berlin questionnaire.
• Sensitivity of the NAMES tool was superior to the Epworth scale for predicting OSA.
• Incorporating BMI and gender further enhanced the screening performance of the NAMES tool.

Conclusions:

• The NAMES assessment provides an effective and affordable screening strategy for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
• This tool integrates key clinical indicators for efficient OSA identification.
• The NAMES assessment represents a valuable addition to OSA diagnostic protocols.