Open AccessObstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: current status
Author(s) -
Berg S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-699x.2008.00076.x
Subject(s) - medicine , continuous positive airway pressure , polysomnography , excessive daytime sleepiness , sleep hygiene , physical therapy , sleep (system call) , overweight , intensive care medicine , obstructive sleep apnea , sleep disorder , obesity , anesthesia , insomnia , apnea , psychiatry , computer science , sleep quality , operating system
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition that covaries with cardiovascular complications and most likely with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Objective: The present paper is a review of the current status of OSAS. Results: Definitions and diagnostic criteria as well as known risk factors, prevalence, symptoms, covariance with other diseases and consequences as traffic accidents are described. OSAS is characterised by daytime sleepiness symptoms that range from mild to severe. Risk factors such as anatomical upper airway abnormalities, overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and use of muscle relaxants are related to the development of sleep apnoea. Various diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities are considered. Overnight polysomnography is the reference standard for sleep apnoea recording. Treatment modalities include mechanical [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances], surgical, pharmacological and ‘conservative’ lifestyle modifications. Finally, Nordic accrediation guidelines for sleep medicine clinics and sleep medicine specialists are described. Conclusion: The diagnosis of OSAS should be performed with a polygraph, and the first‐line treatment of moderate to severe OSAS is CPAP. Lastly, compliance for this treatment should be optimised with regular clinical controls. Please cite this paper as: Berg S. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: current status. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 197–201.