Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Should We Do It?

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and underdiagnosed. It is associated with significant comorbidities and early detection and treatment might lead to improvement in important clinical outcomes. This paper will review current evidence on screening for OSA in the primary care setting and in certain high-risk groups.

Recent Findings

The 2017 United States Preventative Services Taskforce evidence review on OSA screening noted a lack of high-quality evidence linking OSA screening with important clinical outcomes and on the accuracy of proposed screening tools.

Summary

OSA symptoms are usually not discussed in the primary care setting. A screening tool such as a questionnaire is a simple approach that could be easily implemented in this setting. Further study into the long-term cardiovascular and mortality benefits of the treatment of OSA, randomized controlled trials linking the implementation of screening and improvement in important clinical outcomes, and the accuracy of available screening tools as well as their generalizability to the primary care population is needed to improve the strength of their recommendation and their adoption.

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