Implementación del método simplificado Apnealink™Air® por médicos de atención primaria para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea durante el sueño

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess diagnosis and therapeutic decisions-making by General Practitioners (GP) using ApnealinkTM® (AL) in patients with high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in comparison with conclusions of Hospital Sleep Unit (HSU) specialists based on home respiratory polygraphy (PGR) results. MethodsThis study involved patients previously selected by HSU for sleep testing by PGR. After it, patients were offered to complete AL test. PGR was checked at HSU; AL was checked by hemoglobin desaturation index of 4% (4% ODI), (4% AL) and 3% (3% ODI) patients with positive test to proceed with CPAP; and those with negative test for further testing. Automatically adjusted 4% AL, was considered valid as it was demonstrated to be equivalent to manual AL. Results were compared by automatically adjusted 3%AL against PGR results. Results48 patients were collected. 43 had AL valid test, 45 had PGR valid study, and 41 had both valid test. 27 patients (62,8%) had positive 4% AL (OR 5,51, p < 0,05), that showed AHI ≥ 15/h at 3% AL test; and 19 patients (42,2%) had a positive PGR test. 31 (72%) patients had a positive 3% AL. AL had shown to be a good screening method of SAHS. ConclusionsThere is equivalence between the decisions of GP and HSU. AL is a good diagnostic tool and screening method for OSA in primary care when it is used in patients with high suspicion of moderate-severe OSA.