Background

Methods 

• Investigators noted anthropometric data, clinical history and symptoms of OSA in randomly selected primary care patients, who undertook a home sleep apnea test (HSAT).
• Respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography was done at the sleep unit to determine a definite indication for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
• Using cross-validation, a logistic regression model (CPAP yes/no) was developed.
• Using clinical variables included in the model, a scoring system was devised using the β coefficients (PASHOS Test).
• Eventually, in the second stage, results of HSAT were added, and the final accuracy of the model was determined.

Results

Conclusions 

The use of this model would help prevent referrals to the sleep unit for around 55.1% of the patients. 

The two-stage PASHOS model could serve as a potential screening tool for OSA in the primary care setting to identify the candidates for CPAP treatment.

Source: Peñacoba P, Llauger MA, Fortuna AM, et al. A new tool to screen patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea in the primary care setting: a prospective multicenter study. BMC Pulm Med. 2022;22:38.