[Estimation of the value of a self-designed questionnaire in diagnosing patients with suspected obstructive sleep...

We have investigated the use of our own sleep questionnaire as a screening test for patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We examined 156 unselected patients (mean age 49.5 +/- 0.9 years) referred to our clinic because of snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness. Each subject answered the questionnaire and underwent full standard polysomonography (PSG). Diagnosis of OSA, based on PSG, was established when AHI > 10. Significant correlations between AHI and questionnaire questions were found for BMI (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), questions considering snoring (r = 0.3, p < 0.001), questions considering apnoeas during sleep, difficulties with falling asleep and nycturia (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) and questions asking for dry mouth and tongue in the morning and excessive daytime sleepiness (r = 0.16, p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of investigated questionnaire to confirm the disease were: 92% and 38%, respectively. Evaluated questionnaire helps to select patients with severe form of OSA demanding quick diagnosis and treatment.