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Screening Programs for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Slee** and Breathing (T Lee-Chiong, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The aim of this article is to describe the literature on the rationale, methods, and outcomes of screening programs for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Recent Findings

The evidence does not support screening for OSA in the general population. Instead, targeted case finding is advised among the following high-risk groups: patients with obesity, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, treatment refractory hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, nocturnal dysrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. However, the method of screening remains unclear with some studies suggesting the use of questionnaires to identify risk for OSA prior to polysomnography (PSG), while others recommend 2-step screening involving questionnaires and portable monitors. Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers should undergo universal screening.

Summary

There is a clear rationale for screening, and target populations for screening have been identified. However, the method of screening is not yet clear. Randomized trials should be done to compare the outcomes of screening versus no screening for OSA among the high-risk populations.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine, Lung Center of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines

    Virginia S. de Los Reyes

  2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines

    Cecilia A. Jimeno

  3. Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines

    Cecilia A. Jimeno

  4. Year Level 7 MD-MBA Program, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Pasig City, Philippines

    Vincent Anthony S. Tang & Patricia Marie M. Lusica

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  1. Virginia S. de Los Reyes
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  2. Cecilia A. Jimeno
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  4. Patricia Marie M. Lusica
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Correspondence to Virginia S. de Los Reyes.

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Virginia S. de Los Reyes, Vincent Anthony S. Tang, Cecilia Jimeno and Patricia Marie Lusica declare no conflict of interest.

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de Los Reyes, V.S., Jimeno, C.A., Tang, V.A.S. et al. Screening Programs for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Curr Pulmonol Rep 6, 75–81 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13665-017-0170-3

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