Focus of Research for Clinicians

In response to a request from the public regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common disorder associated with serious morbidity and mortality, a review was undertaken to examine the comparative effectiveness of approaches for screening, diagnosing, and treating OSA. The systematic review included 234 clinical studies published through September 2010. The full report, listing all studies, is available at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/apnea.cfm. This summary, based on the full report of research evidence, is provided to inform discussions of options with patients and to assist in decisionmaking along with consideration of a patient’s values and preferences. However, reviews of evidence should not be construed to represent clinical recommendations or guidelines.

Background Information

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that affects people of all ages but is most prevalent among older adults. Prevalence appears to be increasing, possibly in association with increasing rates of obesity. OSA involves repeated airway collapse during sleep, resulting in partial or complete cessation of breathing (hypopnea or apnea, respectively), sometimes as often as once each minute. Typical symptoms of OSA include poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, although many patients may be asymptomatic. OSA is an important public health issue due to associated morbidity and mortality rates, attendant comorbidities (such as diabetes), and adverse effects on quality of life. Studies show that before diagnosis, patients with OSA have increased rates of health care use, more frequent and longer hospital stays, and greater health care costs than after diagnosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of OSA are complicated by an inconsistent definition of OSA; debate concerning the level of respiratory abnormality that defines the disorder; and the most appropriate approach to diagnose OSA. For example, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is used as a metric to diagnose OSA and to classify disease severity, but there is no current AHI threshold that indicates the need for treatment. By consensus, individuals are diagnosed with OSA if they have an AHI >15 events/hr or an AHI of 5 to 14 with documented hypertension, ischemic heart disease, history of stroke, or symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, mood disorders, or insomnia. Individuals with frequent events (AHI ≥30 events/hr) are more likely to be at risk for adverse outcomes.

Polysomnography (PSG) is the current diagnostic standard for OSA. PSG involves an overnight sleep-laboratory study during which neurophysiologic and cardiorespiratory signals are recorded. Portable sleep monitors (types II, III, and IV), used in hospitals, sleep centers, or homes, reduce resource requirements and obtain results more representative of a typical night’s sleep. Various questionnaires and clinical prediction rules have also been used to assist in decreasing the resources required for diagnosis.

OSA is commonly treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. Additional OSA treatments include but are not limited to oral devices, most commonly mandibular advancement devices (MADs); surgery; weight-loss programs; and positional therapy and alarms. Compliance with CPAP and other devices is an important reason for examining options to effectively treat OSA.

Conclusion

Severe OSA (as defined by a high AHI) is associated with all-cause mortality and diabetes, providing evidence for the importance of identifying such individuals. Regarding diagnosis, portable monitors can predict a diagnosis of OSA, but additional studies are needed to prove their value compared with PSG. Some questionnaires may be useful screening tools. With respect to treatment, CPAP remains the most effective treatment for OSA, but MADs are also effective, and weight-loss programs may be effective for patients who are obese. There is insufficient evidence to evaluate the relative effectiveness of other treatment options, including surgery, though some individual studies do show efficacy of specific surgical interventions. Compliance remains a barrier to CPAP treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to evaluate compliance with other treatment options.

Clinical Bottom Line

ESS = Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a short questionnaire that is the standard measure of scoring daytime sleepiness symptoms; AutoCPAP = autotitrated CPAP, a CPAP device that automatically adjusts the level of delivered pressure based the patient’s requirements; HR = hazard ratio (i.e., the mortality rate in patients with OSA is 1.5 times to 3 times the rate occurring in an unaffected population); OR = odds ratio (i.e., individuals with OSA have a 2.81-fold to 4.06-fold increased odds of developing diabetes when compared with unaffected individuals); STOP = Snoring, Tiredness during daytime, Observed apnea, and high blood Pressure; STOP-Bang = STOP plus Body mass index, age, neck circumference, and gender variables.

Strength of Evidence Scale

High: There are consistent results from good-quality studies. Further research is very unlikely to change the conclusions.

Moderate: Findings are supported, but further research could change the conclusions.

Low: There are very few studies, or existing studies are flawed.

Insufficient: Research is either unavailable or does not permit estimation of a treatment effect.

Additional Information

Gaps in Knowledge

What To Discuss With Your Patients

• The negative health outcomes associated with OSA.
• Sleepiness and the number of episodes of apnea and hypopnea can be improved with treatment; however, evidence is lacking for many long-term outcomes.
• The diagnostic and screening tools available to test for and evaluate OSA status and severity.
• The potential benefits and adverse events associated with CPAP, MAD, and other treatment options— including the importance of compliance.
• Patient preferences regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Resource for Patients

Treating Sleep Apnea: A Review of the Research for Adults is a free companion to this clinician research summary. It can help patients talk with their health care professionals about the many options for diagnosis and treatment. It provides information about:

• Diagnostic and screening tools.
• Treatment options.
• Current evidence of effectiveness and harms.
• Questions for patients to ask their doctor.

Ordering Information

For electronic copies of Treating Sleep Apnea: A Review of the Research for Adults (AHRQ Pub. No. 11-EHC052-A), this clinician research summary, and the full systematic review, visit www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/apnea.cfm. To order free print copies, call the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse at 800-358-9295.

Source

The information in this guide is based on Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults, Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 32, prepared by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-2007-10055I for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, July 2011. Available at: www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/apnea.cfm. This summary was prepared by the John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.