[Can obstructive sleep apnea syndrome be predicted based on anamnesis and clinical examination findings?]

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the predictive value of a selfadministered questionnaire together with physical and laboratory examinations in establishing the diagnosis and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The apnea index (AI) and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), measured by nocturnal respiratory monitoring, were matched with the 21 questions of the questionnaire as well as with physical and laboratory findings in 129 patients (average age 53 years, 80% males) referred to the sleep lab within a three-year period because of suspected OSAS. OSAS was diagnosed in 85 (66%) patients. Patients with OSAS had significantly higher body weight (BMI), but lower PaO2, lower total and vital lung capacity, as well as lower FEV1, than patients without OSAS. AI and AHI could be predicted from the BMI (R2 = 0.13) as well as the day time sleepiness (R2 = 0.11), less so by blood pressure and hemoglobin (R2 < 0.1); therefore, a predictability score could not be calculated. We conclude, that in addition to a specific questionnaire and physical and laboratory examinations, still a routine examination in a specialized sleep lab is necessary to establish the diagnosis of OSAS.