Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Assessment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea using a drug-induced sleep endoscopy rating scale
Derek J Lam1, Edward M Weaver2, Carol J Macarthur1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Insights
The Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale (SERS) reliably assesses pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. A SERS score of 6 or higher accurately predicts severe OSA in children.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder in children.
- Accurate assessment of OSA severity is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of the Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale (SERS) in pediatric patients.
- To determine the correlation between SERS scores and the severity of pediatric OSA.
- To assess the SERS's ability to predict severe OSA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of pediatric patients undergoing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).
- Three blinded otolaryngologists scored obstruction at six anatomical levels using the SERS.
- Reliability was assessed using κ statistic; correlation with apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was analyzed using Spearman correlation.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the predictive ability of SERS for severe OSA.
Main Results:
- Intrarater and inter-rater reliability for SERS were substantial-to-excellent (κ = 0.61-0.83) and fair-to-substantial (κ = 0.33-0.76), respectively.
- SERS total scores and oropharyngeal/hypopharyngeal ratings showed significant correlation with OAHI (r = 0.75, P = .002 for total score).
- A SERS total score ≥6 demonstrated 81.8% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity for predicting severe OSA, correctly classifying 84% of patients.
Conclusions:
- The SERS is a reliable tool for assessing pediatric patients during DISE for OSA.
- SERS ratings, particularly for the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and overall score, correlate significantly with OSA severity.
- A SERS total score of 6 or higher accurately predicts severe pediatric OSA.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
Assess the reliability of a Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale (SERS) and its relationship with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity.
Study Design:
Retrospective case series of pediatric patients who underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) at the time of surgery for OSA from January 1, 2013 to May 1, 2014.
Methods:
Three blinded otolaryngologists scored obstruction on DISE recordings as absent (0), partial (+1), or complete (+2) at six anatomic levels: nasal airway, nasopharynx, velopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and arytenoids. Ratings were summed for a SERS total score (range, 0-12). Reliability was calculated using a κ statistic with linear weighting. SERS ratings and obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) were compared using Spearman correlation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the ability of the SERS total score to predict severe OSA (OAHI >10).
Results:
Thirty-nine patients were included (mean age, 8.3 ± 5.1 years; 36% obese; mean OAHI, 19.1 ± 23.7). Intrarater and inter-rater reliability was substantial-to-excellent (κ = 0.61-0.83) and fair-to-substantial (κ = 0.33-0.76), respectively. Ratings correlated best with OAHI for the oropharynx (r = 0.54, P = .02), hypopharynx (r = 0.48, P = .04), and SERS total score (r = 0.75, P = .002). In ROC analysis, a SERS total score ≥6 demonstrated sensitivity/specificity of 81.8%/87.5%, respectively, and correctly classified 84% of patients.
Conclusions:
The SERS can be applied reliably in children undergoing DISE for OSA. Ratings of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and SERS total score demonstrated significant correlation with OSA severity. A SERS total score ≥6 was an accurate predictor of severe OSA.
Level Of Evidence:
4. Laryngoscope, 126:1492-1498, 2016.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:

