Home sleep apnea tests: Conflicts of interest and funding

Abstract

ObjectivePediatric otolaryngologists rely on HSAT literature to guide their diagnostic methods related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our objectives were to review the rates of presence of funding and/or potential conflict of interest (COI), as well as its relationship to the overall quality of HSAT publications in the literature over the last two decades. Data sourcesMedline, Web of Science and Embase databases. Review methodsA review was performed reviewing publications from January 2000 to December 2021. Oxford Level of Evidence (OLE) was used as a quality metric. COI and funding were recorded verbatim as self-declared in the text of the manuscript. ResultsLiterature search yielded 4257 articles with 400 articles included in final analysis. The odds of higher quality studies (LOE 1 or 2) were higher in the last five years from 2016 to 2021 (OR, 3.6; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.9). Nearly half of all articles (43.0%) lacked a statement regarding funding or COI. There was a positive correlation between level of evidence and industry funding. The largest source of funding was from industry, comprising 39.6% of all studies that had a funding statement. Of these industry-funded studies, 37.5% reported no COI or lacked a COI statement. ConclusionDespite a growing interest in HSATs for OSA evaluation, there is heterogeneity in reporting of COI and high prevalence of industry funding and COI. Re-evaluation and consensus amongst journals on guidelines for reporting disclosures are needed. Level of evidence4