Consensus & Evidence-based INOSA Guidelines 2014 (First edition).

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are common but underdiagnosed conditions in India.
• Poor awareness among the public and primary care physicians necessitates targeted initiatives.
• The INdian initiative on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (INOSA) guidelines were developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of OSA in India.
• To raise awareness about OSA and its associated risks.
• To standardize the evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

Main Methods:

• Development of national guidelines for OSA diagnosis and management.
• Definition of OSA and OSAS based on established criteria.
• Recommendations for comprehensive sleep evaluation, including polysomnography (PSG).
• Outline of treatment modalities: Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy, oral appliances, and surgery.

Main Results:

• OSA is defined by specific criteria of obstructive respiratory events per hour of sleep.
• OSAS is characterized by OSA with excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Supervised overnight polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosis.
• PAP therapy is the primary treatment, with oral appliances and surgery as alternatives.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for improved awareness and diagnosis of OSA in India.
• The INOSA guidelines provide a framework for standardized OSA evaluation and management.
• Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of OSA are essential for patient health and safety.