81pc of hospital patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea

WASHINGTON - A Loyola University Health System study has found that eighty-one percent of hospital patients are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

The findings suggest that hospitals should consider giving patients a five-minute screening test to identify those who are at high risk.

Sleep specialist Dr. Sunita Kumar and colleagues administered an eight-question obstructive sleep apnea screening questionnaire known as STOP-BANG to patients during a single day at Loyola University Hospital.

Of the 195 patients surveyed, 157 were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea, meaning they answered ‘Yes’ to at least three questions on the STOP-BANG questionnaire.

During obstructive sleep apnea, breathing pauses as often as 30 times an hour, causing poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

About 5 percent of the general population is reported to have obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence is likely higher due to increasing obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

The Stop-Bang questionnaire consists of eight questions:

1.Do you Snore loudly?

2.Are you Tired or sleepy during the day?

3.Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?

4.Do you have high blood Pressure?

5.Do you have a Body mass index higher than 35. (Depending on height, this means eing roughly 65 or 70 pounds or more overweight).

6.Is your Age older than 50?

7.Do you have a Neck circumference greater than 40 cm?

8.Is your Gender male?

A score of 3 or more yes answers is considered a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

Kumar reported results during Chest 2010, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians in Vancouver. (ANI)