The role of the Baveno classification system in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

The Baveno classification system has been proposed as a simple method for screening obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in clinical settings. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of the Baveno groups among participants from Saudi Arabia. It also aimed to compare OSA patient characteristics between groups of the Baveno classification.

A retrospective chart review of polysomnography-diagnosed adult OSA patients' records has been performed. According to the Baveno classification system, participants were assigned to 2 × 2 Groups A-D based on their typical OSA symptoms and end-organ complications. The four groups were compared in terms of prevalence, routine clinical measurements, polysomnography measurements and prescription of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Among the 817 participants of the current study (57% males, age = 52 [±15] years, Body Mass Index = 37 [±10] kg/m 2 ), the proportion of participants included in the Baveno groups from A to D was: 16%, 51%, 6% and 27%, respectively. All demographics and polysomnography variables were significantly different between the four Baveno groups (one-way analysis of variance or Chi-square test, P < 0.01). Variables moved toward unfavourable values (e.g. more age) when moving from Group A through to Group D. However, mixed results are evident between Groups B and C. Prescription of CPAP (proportion of patients offered CPAP and optimal pressure requirement) was not different between the Baveno classification groups.

Although the Baveno classification is successful in identifying the two main ends of the OSA spectrum, it requires refinement to enable accurate detection of the heterogeneous nature of the disease.