Abstract :
AIM: To evaluate three primary screening tools in predicting risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children.
METHODS: 60 subjects aged 9-12 years were examined on the basis of history and clinical examination. These subjects were then screened with three screening tools: an eight-item IFSLEEPY questionnaire, radiological evaluation with lateral cephalogram and overnight at-home pulse oximetry study. Conclusive scores from all three aids were then combined to devise a protocol. Predictive values of Questionnaire and Lateral cephalogram score were derived using pulse oximetry score as definitive.
RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between the scores of all three diagnostic aids. The Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Questionnaire score was found to be 76.2% and 87.2% respectively and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Lateral cephalogram score was found to be 71.4% and 84.6% respectively.
CONCLUSION: Questionnaire and pulse oximetry score were found to have maximum correlation and were better predictors of risk of OSA. 12 out of 60 subjects (20%) had conclusive finding from all the three diagnostic aids. As PSG is not easily accessible outside of major tertiary centres, combined conclusive scores obtained from questionnaire, lateral cephalogram and pulse oximetry can be used to diagnose children at risk of OSA.
Keyword :
Apnea, Pulse, oximetry, IF-SLEEPY.