[Obstructive Sleep Apnea]. / Apnea obstructiva de sueño.

ABSTRACT

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as the presence of an apnea-hyponea index (AHI)>15/h, predominantly obstructive or AHI greater than 5 with symptoms, the classic symptoms are observed apneas, daytime sleepiness and snoring, however, there are many other associated symptoms. To assess the severity of OSA, classically, only the AHI value was considered, but there is increasing evidence to implicate other factors. The predisposition to develop OSA is determined by anatomical and functional features. Having OSA increases the risk of accidents, high blood pressure (HBP) and is associated with cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiac arrhythmia and neoplasms. To assess the probability of OSA, questionnaires and scales have been developed to assess symptoms, the certain diagnosis is obtained by polysomnography (PSG), which is the gold standard test, or polygraphy, which is a simpler and more accessible diagnostic test for diagnosis validated, the use of one or the other will depend on the suspicion and the associated comorbidities. Treatments for sleep apnea increasingly tend to be more individualized based on the characteristics of the patient and all are complementary. Hygienic-dietary measures should be applied in all patients, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment and with the most evidence, but other treatments are also available such as mandibular advancement devices (MAD), postural therapy and surgical options among others. Telemedicine is advancing in the follow-up of patients with OSA, both from non-face-to-face consultations and control of equipment via Wi-Fi to assess adherence, efficacy and correct control of therapy.