Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine

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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2019 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Comparison of Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India: A Retrospective Study

Mansunderbir Singh, Vidushi Rathi

Keywords : Epworth sleepiness scale, Obstructive sleep apnea, Polysomnography, Screening, STOP-BANG questionnaire

Citation Information : Singh M, Rathi V. Comparison of Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India: A Retrospective Study. Indian Sleep Med 2019; 14 (3):46-50.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0042

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-06-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires polysomnography (PSG). The screening of OSA utilizes questionnaires like the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ) that have variable predictive value, as reported from the Western literature. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was done in adult subjects (n = 80) presenting with symptoms of OSA. The demographic profile, ESS, and SBQ scores were evaluated. The level one recorded PSG was evaluated for apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy prescribed. Results: Of the 80 subjects, 75 were diagnosed as OSA on PSG. The mean age of the study group was 49 years, with 71% men and a mean BMI of 28.25 kg/m2. Epworth sleepiness scale ≥11 was in 62.66%, and SBQ ≥ 5 in 53% of the 75 subjects. Hence, both questionnaires failed to predict OSA in nearly half of the population. The mean AHI was 33.8/hour, and the mean continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was 10.05 cm H2O. The AHI had a significant correlation with BMI, ESS score, and CPAP. Epworth sleepiness scale had a 53% sensitivity and 60% specificity for diagnosing OSA using a cutoff of 11, whereas SBQ had a 68% sensitivity and 100% specificity using a cutoff of 5. Conclusion: The SBQ has a higher sensitivity and specificity to detect OSA than ESS as it envisages distinct clinical manifestations and risk factors of OSA. However, neither of the two can replace PSG.


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