American Academy Of Sleep Medicine Criteria Research Articles

Validation of Trøndelag Apnoea Score Proxy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in the General Population of Norway: The HUNT Study.

The aim was to validate a new seven-item "TASC" (Trøndelag Apnoea Score) proxy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) against polysomnography in the general population. Objectives included validation against different polysomnographic criteria, stratification by age and gender, and estimation of OSA prevalence. From the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4), 1,201 participants were randomly invited to a substudy focusing on sleep and headaches, of whom 232 accepted and 84 (64% women, mean age 55.0 years, and standard deviation 11.5 years) underwent polysomnography. The TASC proxy sums seven binary items for snoring, observed breathing pauses, restricted daytime activities, hypertension, body mass index (≥30 kg/m2), age (≥50 years), and gender (male). A single night of ambulatory (home) polysomnography was analysed using both the recommended and optional hypopnoea criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). We found 65% sensitivity and 87% specificity (Cohen's κ = 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.72) for TASC ≥ 3 against AHI ≥ 15 (recommended AASM criteria). Validity was similar against AHI ≥ 30 but lower against AHI ≥ 5 and against the optional AASM criteria. Sensitivity and overall validity were higher among men and those above 50 years of age. The prevalence of an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of at least 5, 15, or 30 using the recommended (and optional) AASM criteria was 73% (46%), 37% (18%), or 15% (5%). A seven-item TASC proxy for OSA showed good validity and may be useful in screening and epidemiological settings. Sensitivity, specificity, and validity vary considerably by cut-off, by polysomnographic scoring criteria, and by gender and age strata.

Sleep bruxism and perceived stress: assessment using salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress

Sleep bruxism (SB) corresponds to physiologically based manducatory muscle reactions, with no identifiable neuropathic cause, in relation to anxiety disorders, respiratory disorders or behavioral "tocs". The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between SB and perceived stress by measuring salivary cortisol levels. The study included 61 consenting adult participants: 31 for the study group (bruxers) and 30 for the control group (no bruxers). The diagnosis of BS was made using a standard bruxism assessment questionnaire defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by clinical assessment according to AASM criteria. The BRUXi index, a tool proposed by Orthlieb, was used to determine the intensity of bruxism. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected and morning salivary cortisol levels were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The bruxers (study group) had significantly high levels of mean salivary cortisol (12.3±4.2 ng/mL or 34.5±14.6 nmol/L) than the non-bruxers (control group) (5.3±1.2 ng/mL or 14.5±4.6 nmol/L) (p<0.001). The elevated salivary cortisol level was positively associated with perceived stress and SB (p<0.0001) in the study group. These results suggest that bruxing activity is associated with higher levels of perceived psychological stress and salivary cortisol. Despite the absence of polysomnographic recording for the diagnosis of SB, a positive correlation between SB and salivary cortisol levels was observed in bruxers.

A 24% prevalence of excessive fragmentary myoclonus in 500 consecutive sleep laboratory patients.

Excessive fragmentary myoclonus (EFM) is a frequent finding during routine video-polysomnography (VPSG). We aimed to automatically measure the prevalence of EFM according to current American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria, and the fragmentary myoclonus index (FMI) in sleep stage N1, N2, N3, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wake in a large patient population. A total of 500 VPSG recordings of patients admitted to the Sleep Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, between May 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023, were included. EFM according to AASM criteria and FMI were computed by applying a previously validated algorithm. EFM was automatically detected in 121 of the 500 Sleep Laboratory patients (24.2%, 95% confidence interval 20.1%-28.9%). FMI increased with age, male gender, apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMS) index. FMI was highest in REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), followed by neurodegenerative and internal medicine diseases, but the increase in the FMI was not explained by the disease itself but rather by the age and sex of the patients. Almost a quarter of our patient population had EFM. However, the prevalence of EFM does not allow the drawing of any conclusions about the pathophysiology of EFM or even the determination of a pathological FMI cut-off value. Associations of the FMI with age, sex, AHI, ODI and PLMS are in line with previous studies, but the FMI needs to be evaluated in different disease entities to learn more about its pathophysiology.

The accuracy and difference of scoring rules and methods to score respiratory event-related leg movements in obstructive sleep apnea patients

ObjectiveTo compare manual scoring: 1) to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) auto-scoring rules. 2) to the AASM and World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) rules, and evaluate the accuracy of the AASM and WASM for respiratory event-related limb movements (RRLM) in diagnostic and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration polysomnography (PSG). MethodsWe retrospectively, re-scored diagnostic and CPAP titration PSGs of 16 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), using manual re-scoring by the AASM (mAASM) and WASM (mWASM) criteria for RRLM, periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), and limb movements (LM), which were compared to auto-scoring by the AASM (aAASM). ResultsIn diagnostic PSG, significant differences were found in LMs (p < 0.05), RRLM (p = 0.009) and the mean duration of PLMS sequences (p = 0.013). In CPAP titration PSG, there was a significant difference in RRLM (p = 0.008) and PLMS with arousal index (p = 0.036). aAASM underestimated LM and RRLM, especially in severe OSA. Changes in RRLM and PLMS with arousal index between diagnostic and titration PSG were significantly different between aAASM and mAASM, but there was no significant difference between scoring by mAASM and mWASM. The ratio of PLMS and RRLM changes between diagnostic and CPAP titration PSG was 0.257 in mAASM and 0.293 in mWASM. ConclusionsIn addition to the overestimation of RRLM by mAASM compared to aAASM, mAASM may also be more sensitive than aAASM in detecting RRLM changes in the titration PSG. Despite intuitive differences in the definition of RRLM between AASM and WASM rules, RRLM results between mAASM and mWASM were not significant and about 30% of RRLMs might be scored as PLMS by both scoring rules.

Variable negative external pressure-an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.

To assess variable negative external pressure (vNEP) therapy using a range of pressures and varying collar sizes and shapes to identify combinations that improve the efficacy and comfort of this emerging therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This prospective, open-label pilot study included 28 eligible patients (71% men) having documented moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 15 events/h ≤ AHI ≤ 30 events/h) at 1 sleep clinic for an overnight, in-lab sleep trial. Each participant tested at least 2 of 6 available vNEP devices during sleep periods ≥ 2 hours. During the assessment of AHI by polysomnography, negative pressures of -20 cm H2O to -35 cm H2O were adjusted to improve each patient's response. Participants' therapeutic preferences were assessed by a questionnaire and interviews. Twenty (71%) of the participants responded to vNEP therapy: excellent response (AHI ≤ 5 events/h) was observed in 14 (50%); 6 (21%) achieved a partial response (AHI ≤ 50% baseline). For the 20 responders, the therapy reduced the fraction of total sleep time when peripheral oxygen saturation < 90% and improved minimum pulse oximetry oxygen saturation. Six patients experienced a minor, self-limited adverse event. Twenty-six participants (93%) stated that they would use vNEP nightly. In this pilot study, vNEP therapy markedly improved AHI and oxygenation in most patients with moderate OSA. The majority of participants found vNEP comfortable and preferable to prevailing OSA therapies. Further development and studies of vNEP are warranted. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Study of Variable Negative External Pressure (vNEP) in Reducing Respiratory Event in Individuals With OSA; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04718142; Identifier: NCT04718142. Kram JA, Pelayo R. Variable negative external pressure-An alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: A pilot study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(1):305-314.

Characterization of sleep-disordered breathing in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria vs disease-specific criteria: what are the differences?

Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) frequently develop sleep-disordered breathing. Noninvasive ventilation is often prescribed for sleep-disordered breathing treatment based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria. In 2018, DMD disease-specific criteria for sleep-disordered breathing were established. Our study aimed to examine the clinical interpretation differences using these different criteria. We performed a multicenter, retrospective chart review of children with DMD followed at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, who underwent polysomnography from August 1, 2012, to February 29, 2020. Baseline characteristics and polysomnography data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Agreement for the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing evaluated by kappa statistics and sensitivity/specificity analysis was assessed. One hundred five male children with DMD (mean ± SD age: 12.1 ± 3.8 years; body mass index z score: 0.2 ± 2.3) were included. The proportions of children with DMD that met at least 1 AASM criterion and at least 1 DMD criterion were 45.7% and 67.6%, respectively. We found that 32.4% of children met neither AASM nor DMD criteria. Overall agreement between AASM and DMD criteria was moderate (k = 0.57). There was almost perfect agreement in sleep apnea diagnosis (k = 0.90); however, there was only slight agreement in hypoventilation diagnosis (k = 0.12) between AASM and DMD criteria. There were more children with DMD diagnosed with nocturnal hypoventilation and prescribed noninvasive ventilation using DMD criteria compared with AASM criteria. Future studies should address whether the prescription of noninvasive ventilation for children with DMD based on both criteria is associated with different clinical outcomes. Hurvitz MS, Sunkonkit K, Massicotte C, Li R, Bhattacharjee R, Amin R. Characterization of sleep-disordered breathing in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria vs disease-specific criteria: what are the differences? J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):609-615.

Apnoea-hypopnoea-index comparing the 2007 and 2012 American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/obstructive sleep apnoea overlap syndrome.

BackgroundIn 2007 and 2012, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) updated their scoring criteria for nocturnal respiratory events. We hypothesised that this could have led to changes in the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) overlap syndrome.MethodsIn a retrospective study, polysomnographic (PSG) recordings of 34 patients with COPD/OSA overlap syndrome were independently analysed using the AASM criteria from 2007 (AASM2007) and 2012 (AASM2012). The primary outcome was the difference in AHI, the secondary outcomes were frequency of hypopnoeas, diagnosis of overlap syndrome and differences between the AASM 2007 recommended (AASM2007Rec) and altered (AASM2007Alt) classifications. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation) if normally distributed, and as median (interquartile range) if non-normally distributed.ResultsThe PSGs of 34 elderly [aged 67 (7.0) years] and predominantly male (m:f, 31:3) patients with COPD [FEV1%pred 48.4% (19.6%)] were analysed. The AHI using AASM2007Rec criteria was 5.9 (2.0, 15.1) events/hour vs. 20.4 (11.5, 28.0) events/hour using the 2012 criteria (P<0.001); with the AASM2007Alt criteria, the AHI was 15.0 (9.3, 26.3) events/hour (P<0.001). Using the 2012 classification, the number of scored hypopnoeas increased by +48% compared to the AASM2007Rec criteria (P<0.001), 92% of these events were associated with arousal. Although statistically non-significant, using the AASM2007Alt classification, 12% of our cohort would not have been diagnosed with COPD/OSA overlap syndrome (P=0.114), this was also the case for 47% of the cohort when the AASM2007Rec classification was used (P<0.01).ConclusionsThe use of the AASM2012 scoring rules results in a significantly higher AHI compared to the AASM2007 criteria in patients with COPD/OSA overlap syndrome, mostly due to an increased number of arousal-associated hypopnoeas. These observations are important for the definition of the COPD/OSA overlap syndrome.

0608 Concordance Between Current AASM And CMS Scoring Criteria for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Hospitalized Persons with TBI: A NIDILRR and VA Model System Study

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to compare OSA, demographic, and TBI characteristics across the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Centers for Medicare and Medicare (CMS) scoring rules in moderate to severe TBI undergoing inpatient neurorehabilitation. Methods This is a secondary analysis from a prospective clinical trial of sleep apnea at six TBI Model System study sites (n=248). Scoring was completed by a centralized center using both the AASM and CMS criteria for OSA. Hospitalization and injury characteristics were abstracted from the medical record and demographics obtained by interview by trained research assistants using TBI Model System standard procedures. Results OSA was prevalent using the AASM (66%) and CMS (41.5%) criteria with moderate to strong agreement (weighted kappa = 0.64 (95%CI = 0.58, 0.70). Significant differences were observed for participants meeting AASM and CMS criteria (Agreement Group; AG) compared to those meeting criteria for AASM but not CMS (Disagreement Group; DG). At AHI ≥ 5, the DG (n=61) had lower Emergency Department Glasgow Coma Scale Scores consistent with greater injury severity (median 5 vs. 13, p = 0.0050), younger age (median 38 vs 58, p&amp;lt;0.0001), and lower BMI (median 24.8 vs 22.1, p = 0.0007) compared to the AG (n=103). At AHI ≥ 15, female gender and but no other differences were noted possibly due to the smaller sample size. Conclusion The underestimation of sleep apnea using CMS criteria is consistent with prior literature; however, this is the first study to report the impact of the criteria in persons with moderate to severe TBI during a critical stage of neural recovery. Management of comorbidities in TBI has become an increasing focus for optimizing TBI outcomes. Given the chronic morbidity after moderate to severe TBI, the impact of CMS policy for OSA diagnosis for persons with chronic disability and young age are considerable. Support PCORI (CER-1511-33005), GDHS (W91YTZ-13-C-0015; HT0014-19-C-0004)) for DVBIC, NIDILRR (NSDC Grant # 90DPTB00070, #90DP0084, 90DPTB0013-01-00, 90DPTB0008, 90DPT80004-02).

0698 A Comparison Of Two Visual Hypopnea Classification Methods

Abstract Introduction The rules for classifying apneas as either obstructive or central using usual polysomnography (PSG) channels are well established, but classification of hypopneas is less straightforward without special sensors. Visual scoring methods have been proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and by Randerath, et al. These two scoring methods have never been compared. We evaluated these two scoring methods for clinical use. Methods We selected 50 hypopnea segments from patient’s PSGs with very clear obstructive physiology (average total AHI 48.6, central AI 0), assumed to be obstructive hypopneas, and from patient’s PSGs with very clear central physiologies (average total AHI 34.3, obstructive AI 0.3), assumed to be central hypopneas. These 100 hypopnea-containing PSG segments (HCPS) were deidentified, placed in randomized order, and sent to two groups of 6 PSG scorers (2 RPSGTs, 2 sleep medicine fellows, 2 sleep medicine specialists). One group scored using the AASM criteria and the other used the Randerath algorithm. After a washout period, re-randomized HCPS were sent to be scored using the alternative method. We used Fleiss’ kappa to determine inter-rater reliability—i.e., how consistently multiple scorers came to the same conclusion about a given hypopnea segment using each method, and accuracy—how often the scorers rated the HCPS in a manner consistent with the assumed physiology. We also recorded the time it took to score. Results Overall accuracy of both methods was 68%. Among 12 scorers, Fleiss’ Kappa coefficient was 0.32 and 0.27 for the AASM and Randerath scoring methods, respectively. Average scoring time (24.3 minutes for AASM and 26.2 minutes for Randerath) was similar (p=0.79). Conclusion Inter-rater agreement was only fair using these methods, and accuracy was only 68%. More work is needed to discover a convenient, non-invasive way to reproducibly and accurately characterize hypopneas. Support This project does not have any funding support.

0578 Incident Hypertension Rates in OSA Identified Using American Academy Of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Hypopnea Criteria, but Misclassified by Medicare (CMS) Hypopnea Definition

Abstract Introduction The impact of not treating OSA identified using AASM standards (hypopneas scored using a minimum 3% O2 desaturation or arousal), but misclassified by CMS standards (hypopneas scored only if minimum 4% O2 desaturation) remains unclear. This analysis determined the ~5 year incident hypertension rates using the new 2018 ACC/AHA blood pressure (BP) guidelines in these individuals. Methods Data were analyzed from all Sleep Heart Health Study exam 2 study participants (N=1219) who were normotensive (BP≤120/80) at exam 1. The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) at exam 1 was classified into 4 categories of OSA severity: &amp;lt;5, 5 ≤15, 15 ≤30 and ≥30/hour using both the AASM or CMS definitions. Three definitions of hypertension were used: Elevated BP (&amp;gt;120/80), Stage 1 (&amp;gt;130/80) and Stage 2 (&amp;gt;140/90) to determine incidence rates at exam 2. Results Five year follow-up data were available for 476 participants classified as having OSA (AHI ≥5) by AASM criteria, but not by CMS standards at exam 1. Incident hypertension rates in these misclassified participants for ACC/AHA defined BP categories were 15% (Elevated BP), 15% (Stage 1) and 6% (Stage 2). 4% of normotensive participants used hypertensive medications. Overall incidence rate of at least an elevated BP was 40% (191/476) in those with OSA defined using AASM, but not by CMS criteria and 17% (191/1219) of the overall population at risk. In comparison to those with incident hypertension and OSA identified by CMS standards, BMI (27.7 vs 30.1 kg/m2, p&amp;lt;.001) and % men were lower (45 vs 58%, p=.012), but age and race were not different. Conclusion Use of the CMS hypopnea definition as a component of the AHI resulted in the failure to identify a significant number of individuals with OSA who eventually developed hypertension and could have benefited from earlier diagnosis and treatment. Support HL53938

Microsleep episodes in the borderland between wakefulness and sleep

The wake-sleep transition zone represents a poorly defined borderland, containing, for example, microsleep episodes (MSEs), which are of potential relevance for diagnosis and may have consequences while driving. Yet, the scoring guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) completely neglect it. We aimed to explore the borderland between wakefulness and sleep by developing the Bern continuous and high-resolution wake-sleep (BERN) criteria for visual scoring, focusing on MSEs visible in the electroencephalography (EEG), as opposed to purely behavior- or performance-defined MSEs. Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) trials of 76 randomly selected patients were retrospectively scored according to both the AASM and the newly developed BERN scoring criteria. The visual scoring was compared with spectral analysis of the EEG. The quantitative EEG analysis enabled a reliable objectification of the visually scored MSEs. For less distinct episodes within the borderland, either ambiguous or no quantitative patterns were found. As expected, the latency to the first MSE was significantly shorter in comparison to the sleep latency, defined according to the AASM criteria. In certain cases, a large difference between the two latencies was observed and a substantial number of MSEs occurred between the first MSE and sleep. Series of MSEs were more frequent in patients with shorter sleep latencies, while isolated MSEs were more frequent in patients who did not reach sleep. The BERN criteria extend the AASM criteria and represent a valuable tool for in-depth analysis of the wake-sleep transition zone, particularly important in the MWT.

Varying Hypopnea Definitions Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity Classification and Association With Cardiovascular Disease.

To compare clinical features and cardiovascular risks in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal, and ≥ 4% desaturation hypopnea criteria. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 1,400 veterans who underwent polysomnography for suspected sleep-disordered breathing. Hypopneas were scored using ≥ 4% desaturation criteria per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 2007 guidelines, then re-scored using ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal criteria per AASM 2012 guidelines. The effect on OSA disease categorization by these two different definitions were compared and correlated with symptoms and cardiovascular associations using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression. The application of the ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal definition of hypopnea captured an additional 175 OSA diagnoses (12.5%). This newly diagnosed OSA group (OSAnew) was symptomatic with daytime sleepiness similarly to those in whom OSA had been diagnosed based on ≥ 4% desaturation criteria (OSA4%). The OSAnew group was more obese and more likely to be male than those without OSA based on either criterion (No-OSA). However, the OSAnew group was younger, less obese, more likely female, and had a lesser smoking history compared to the OSA4% group. Those with any severity of OSA4% had an increased adjusted odds ratio for arrhythmias (odds ratio = 1.95 [95% confidence interval 1.37-2.78], P = .0155). The more inclusive hypopnea definition (ie, ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal) resulted in recategorization of OSA diagnosis and severity, and attenuated the increased odds ratio for arrhythmias observed in mild and moderate OSA4%. However, severe OSA based on ≥ 3% desaturation or arousals (OSA3%/Ar) remained a significant risk factor for arrhythmias. OSA based on any definition was not associated with ischemic heart disease or heart failure. The most current AASM criteria for hypopnea identify a unique group of patients who are sleepy, but who are not at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Though the different hypopnea definitions result in recategorization of OSA severity, severe disease whether defined by ≥ 3% desaturation/arousals or ≥ 4% desaturation remains predictive of cardiac arrhythmias. A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1971.

The utility of current criteria for split-night polysomnography for predicting CPAP eligibility.

Traditionally, evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has consisted of a diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG), followed by a continuous positive pressure (CPAP) titration. However, to reduce costs, many third-party payers mandate performance of split-night studies (SPL), combining diagnostic and CPAP titration testing. We ascertained the utility of performing SPL for diagnosis and treatment of OSA. We reviewed the PSG records of 200 patients suspected of having OSA. Using both American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Medicare (CMS) criteria for scoring, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the AHI in the first 2h of sleep for predicting an overall AHI>15. For predicting an overall AHI > 15, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of an AHI (AASM criteria)>40 in the first 2h were respectively: 0.304, 1.000, 1.000, and 0.335. For an AHI > 20 in the first 2h, the corresponding values were 0.770, 0.962, 0.983, and 0.595. Corresponding values using CMS criteria were 0.347, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.6 for AHI > 40, and 0.693, 0.99, 0.986, and 0.76 for AHI > 20, respectively. For justification of CPAP (overall AHI > 15), the sensitivity is slightly lower when using an AHI>40 vs AHI>20, but the specificity and PPV are much higher. Using AHI>20 as criteria for SPL as opposed to the guideline criteria of AHI>40 may be more effective in obtaining CPAP for patients with moderate to severe OSA.

A Multicenter Study Examining AASM vs CMS Criteria for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Acute TBI

Sleep disturbances including sleep apnea are prevalent in the acute stage of TBI and associated with worse neurologic outcome. Eligibility for treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) depends on the severity of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). There is divergence in scoring rules for hypopneas between the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the latter being more restrictive. A prior study in the general population comparing this divergence approximates 22%, with largest discrepancy occurring in subjects <65 years old (28%). To date, no study has compared the scoring rules in a TBI sample during a stage of critical neural repair.

Validation of a leg movements count and periodic leg movements analysis in a custom polysomnography system

BackgroundPeriodic leg movements (PLM) during sleep (PLMS) are considered strongly related to restless legs syndrome (RLS), and are associated with polymorphisms in RLS risk genes. Various software for automatic analysis of PLMS are available, but only few of them have been validated. Aim of this study was to validate a leg movements count and analysis integrated in a commercially available polysomnography (PSG) system against manual scoring.MethodsTwenty RLS patients with a PLMS index > 20/h and 20 controls with a PLMS index < 5/h were included. Manual and computerized scoring of leg movements (LM) and PLM was performed according to the standard American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria. LM and PLM indices during sleep and wakefulness, the rate of PLMS associated with respiratory events, intermovement interval and periodicity indices were manually and automatically scored.ResultsThe correlation between manual and computerized scoring was high for all investigated parameters (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.751–0.996, p < 0.001; intraclass correlation coefficients 0.775–0.999, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed high agreement between manual and automatic analysis.ConclusionsThis study validated an automatic LM count and PLM analysis against the gold standard manual scoring according to AASM criteria. The data demonstrate that the software used in this study has an outstanding performance for computerized LM and PLM scoring, and LM and PLM indices generated with this software can be reliably integrated in the routine PSG report. This automatic analysis is also an excellent tool for research purposes.

Peripheral nerve function in patients with excessive fragmentary myoclonus during sleep

ObjectivesExcessive fragmentary myoclonus is a frequent incidental finding in patients undergoing polysomnography for other reasons. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether electrophysiological examination in patients with excessive fragmentary myoclonus during sleep according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria shows findings of peripheral nerve dysfunction. MethodsNinety-eight of 100 patients with excessive fragmentary myoclonus detected as an incidental finding during routine polysomnography underwent electrophysiological workup. Motor nerve conduction studies of the right peroneal and tibial nerves, F-wave recordings of the tibial nerve, antidromic sensory nerve conduction studies of the left sural nerve and needle electromyography of the right tibialis anterior muscle were performed and classified as normal, peripheral neuropathy, lumbar 5 (L5) nerve root lesion, or benign fasciculations. ResultsFifty percent (49 out of 98) presented with electrophysiological abnormalities, most frequently polyneuropathy (32 out of 49, 65.3%), followed by L5 nerve root lesions (13 out of 49, 26.5%) and benign fasciculations (4 out of 49, 8.2%). Patients with electrophysiological abnormalities were older than those without. ConclusionsThe high prevalence of abnormal neurophysiological findings in patients with excessive fragmentary myoclonus during polysomnography suggests that excessive fragmentary myoclonus during sleep according to AASM criteria is not primarily a sleep-related phenomenon, but only persists during sleep and points to peripheral nerve pathology at least in part of the cases. Patients with incidental EFM during polysomnography should undergo electrophysiological workup for peripheral nerve pathology.

Comparative Capabilities of Clinical Assessment, Diagnostic Criteria, and Polysomnography in Detecting Sleep Bruxism.

To evaluate the diagnostic capability of signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism (SB) as per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria and a diagnostic grading system proposed by international experts for assessing SB. The study was conducted in three phases (interview, physical examination, and sleep studies). Subjects were asked about self-reported tooth grinding sounds occurring during sleep, muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, jaw muscle pain, and jaw locking. A visual examination was conducted to check for presence of abnormal tooth wear. A full-night polysomnography (PSG) was performed. After three phases, the subjects were divided into two groups matched by age and gender: Case Group, 45 SB subjects, and Control Group, 45 non-SB subjects. Diagnostic accuracy measurements were calculated for each sign or symptom individually and for the two diagnostic criteria analyzed. Muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, and AASM criteria were associated with highest sensitivity (78%, 67%, 58%, respectively) and also with highest diagnostic odds ratio (OR = 9.63, 9.25, 6.33, respectively). Jaw locking, muscle pain, and the criterion of "probable SB" were associated with the worst sensitivity (16%, 18%, 22%, respectively). Presence of muscle fatigue and temporal headaches can be considered good tools to screen SB patients. None of the diagnostic criteria evaluated was able to accurately identify patients with SB. AASM criteria had the strongest diagnostic capabilities and--although they do not attain diagnostic values high enough to replace the current gold standard (PSG)--should be used as a screening tool to identify SB.

Sleep and Respiration in 100 Healthy Caucasian Sleepers--A Polysomnographic Study According to American Academy of Sleep Medicine Standards.

Despite differences between American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Rechtschaffen and Kales scoring criteria, normative values following the current AASM criteria are lacking. We investigated sleep and respiratory variables in healthy adults over the lifespan, and established polysomnographic normative values according to current standards. Prospective polysomnographic investigation. Academic referral hospital sleep laboratory. One hundred healthy sleepers aged 19-77 y were selected from a representative population sample by a two-step screening. N/A. All subjects underwent one full-night polysomnography. Sleep and arousals were scored according to AASM standards. Respiration was scored according to AASM 2007 and 2012 criteria in order to compare both methods. Percentile curves showed age-related differences in sleep architecture: a decrease was found for sleep efficiency [≤ 30 y: 87.0 (71.9-94.1)% versus > 60 y: 79.7 (44.5-90.9)%], total sleep time [≤ 30 y: 413.5 (345.6-451.9) min versus > 60 y: 378.3 (216.0-440.0) min], the percentages of N3 [≤ 30 y 20.7 (15.2-37.5)% versus > 60 y: 14.9 (2.4-35.6)%] and rapid eye movement sleep [≤ 30 y 15.5 (7.5-23.6)% versus. > 60 y: 10.3 (1.9-21.9)%], whereas the percentage of wake time after sleep onset increased with age [≤ 30 y 6.0 (1.9-22.8)% versus > 60 y: 15.2 (6.3-48.7)%]. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was higher when applying the AASM 2012 criteria [AHI AASM 2007 0.7 (0.0-21.5)/h versus 2012: 1.7 (0.0-25)/h; P < 0.001]. Eight percent of subjects had an AHI > 15/h. This study provides normative data on sleep macrostructure, microstructure, and respiration in adults following AASM standards. Furthermore, we demonstrated that respiration scoring according to AASM 2012 results in higher AHIs, and challenge the use of age-independent respiratory cutoff values.

Motor Events during Healthy Sleep: A Quantitative Polysomnographic Study

Many sleep disorders are characterized by increased motor activity during sleep. In contrast, studies on motor activity during physiological sleep are largely lacking. We quantitatively investigated a large range of motor phenomena during polysomnography in physiological sleep. Prospective polysomnographic investigation. Academic referral sleep laboratory. One hundred healthy sleepers age 19-77 y were strictly selected from a representative population sample by a two-step screening procedure. N/A. Polysomnography according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards was performed, and quantitative normative values were established for periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), high frequency leg movements (HFLM), fragmentary myoclonus (FM), neck myoclonus (NM), and rapid eye movement (REM)-related electromyographic (EMG) activity. Thirty-six subjects had a PLMS index > 5/h, 18 had a PLMS index > 15/h (90th percentile: 24.8/h). Thirty-three subjects had HFLM (90th percentile: four sequences/night). All subjects had FM (90th percentile 143.7/h sleep). Nine subjects fulfilled AASM criteria for excessive FM. Thirty-five subjects had NM (90th percentile: 8.8/h REM sleep). For REM sleep, different EMG activity measures for the mentalis and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles were calculated: the 90th percentile for phasic mentalis EMG activity for 30-sec epochs according to AASM recommendation was 15.6%, and for tonic mentalis EMG activity 2.6%. Twenty-five subjects exceeded the recently proposed phasic mentalis cutoff of 11%. None of the subjects exceeded the tonic mentalis cutoff of 9.6%. Quantification of motor phenomena is a basic prerequisite to develop normative values, and is a first step toward a more precise description of the various motor phenomena present during sleep. Because rates of motor events were unexpectedly high even in physiological sleep, the future use of normative values for both research and clinical routine is essential.

A multicenter evaluation of oral pressure therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel noninvasive oral pressure therapy (OPT) (Winx®, ApniCure) system on polysomnographic measures of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep architecture, and sleep stability in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjects and methodsA 4-week, multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized, crossover, first-night order of control vs treatment, single-arm trial was conducted in five American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) – accredited sleep clinics and one research laboratory. Sixty-three subjects (analysis cohort) were studied from a screening cohort of 367 subjects. The analysis cohort was 69.8% men, ages 53.6±8.9 years (mean±SD), body mass index of 32.3±4.5kg/m2, with mild to severe OSA. At treatment initiation, subjects received random assignment to one night with and one without (control) treatment, and they were assessed again following 28 nights of treatment. Breathing and sleep architecture were assessed each night based on blind scoring by a single centralized scorer using AASM criteria. ResultsAverage nightly usage across the take-home period was 6.0±1.4h. There were no severe or serious device-related adverse events (AEs). Median apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 27.5 events per hour on the control night, 13.4 events per hour on the first treatment night, and 14.8 events per hour after 28days of treatment. A clinically significant response (treatment AHI ⩽10/h and ⩽50% of control values) was seen in 20 of the 63 subjects evaluated. Rapid eye movement percentage (REM%) was significantly increased, and N1%, stage shifts to N1 sleep, overall stage shifts, total awakenings, and arousals per hour were all significantly reduced at both treatment nights compared to controls. Mean Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was significantly reduced from 12.1 to 8.6 (Cohen d effect size, 0.68) in those untreated for two or more weeks prior to OPT study participation and remained unchanged in subjects who directly switched from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to OPT. ConclusionClinically significant improvements in sleep quality and continuity, AHI, ODI, ESS, and overall clinical status were achieved in an easily identified subgroup. OPT was safe and well-tolerated and nightly usage was high.