What is the predictive value of anamnestic apnoea and hypersomnia for the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in socially unacceptable snoring?

Abstract

Introduction. The objective was to determine the value of (hetero‐) anamnestic apnoea and hypersomnia in relation to the outcome of sleep registration, in patients with socially unacceptable snoring. Methods. Retrospectively, 337 patients with socially unacceptable snoring who underwent sleep registration were evaluated to determine the predictive value of apnoea and hypersomnia using 2 × 2 tables. Results. Eighty per cent of patients reported having at least incidental complaints of apnoea. Sensitivity was 0.92228 and the predictive value for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) was 0.58746. Two hundred and eighty patients also reported hypersomnia during the day. The sensitivity was 0.29032 and the predictive value for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome was 0.56250. Conclusion. These data confirm that apnoea and hypersomnia in the history do not have a reliable predictive value for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. We conclude that, in all patients with socially unacceptable snoring, sleep registration is indicated to rule out or confirm the presence of OSAS.