Diagnostic utility of obstructive sleep apnea screening questionnaires: a comprehensive meta-analysis

The main objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the accuracy of the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD) Scale in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating the diagnostic utility of OSA screening questionnaires were performed. Analyses determined the summary receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (SROC), the pooled sensitivity (Se), and the specificity (Sp). Subgroup analysis investigated and compared the summary sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) among the BQ, STOP, and ESS according to the severity of OSA.

34 studies were included. The Berlin questionnaire had a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.48, while the Epworth sleepiness scale had a sensitivity of 0.48 and a specificity of 0.73. The STOP-BANG scale had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.89 and 0.40, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of BQ, ESS, NoSAS, and STOP was evaluated based on OSA severity. BQ and STOP had higher sensitivity and specificity, while ESS had lower specificity.

The current meta-analysis indicates that the SRBD scale has acceptable accuracy in detecting patients with OSAS. We propose that the STOP questionnaire could be used as an easy-to-use and accurate screening tool for the identification of patients at risk for OSAS in the general population. ESS had higher specificity, allowing healthcare professionals to prioritize interventions and tailor treatment plans based on OSA severity.