Validation of the STOP questionnaire as a screening tool for OSA among different populations: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep breathing disorder associated with adverse health outcomes, but it remains largely underdiagnosed. The STOP questionnaire is a simple tool for screening OSA and is widely used in various populations. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive parameters of the STOP questionnaire to detect OSA in sleep clinics, medical population, surgical population, commercial drivers, and the general population. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from January 2008 to April 2021. Pooled predictive parameters were recalculated using 2 × 2 contingency tables and random-effects meta-analyses were performed. The combined test characteristics at different OSA severities (any OSA [apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 events/h], moderate-to-severe OSA [apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h], severe OSA [apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 30 events/h]) were used to compare the accuracy of the STOP questionnaire with polysomnography. The quality of the studies was evaluated using Cochrane Methods criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria: 16 were in the sleep clinic population (n = 8,132), 4 in the medical population (n = 1,023), 2 in the surgical population (n = 258), and 1 study each on commercial drivers (n = 85) and the general population (n = 4,770). A STOP score ≥ 2 showed excellent sensitivity to the different OSA severities for the sleep clinic population (> 89%) and to severe OSA for the medical population (85.6%). In both populations, the STOP questionnaire also had excellent discriminative power to exclude severe OSA (negative predictive values > 84%). The pooled sensitivity and negative predictive values for the surgical population with moderate-to-severe OSA was 81% and 75%. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that the STOP questionnaire is a valid and effective screening tool for OSA among these populations. CITATION: Patel D, Tsang J, Saripella A, et al. Validation of the STOP questionnaire as a screening tool for OSA among different populations: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(5):1441-1453.

Screening for subjective cognitive decline in the elderly via subjective cognitive complaints and informant-reported questionnaires: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive decline may represent at-risk persons progressing to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be exacerbated by effects of anesthesia and surgery. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the most common questions in subjective cognitive complaint and informant-reported questionnaires used in assessing cognitive impairment of elderly patients that are correlated with standardized tests for cognitive impairment screening. METHODS: We searched Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database, Emcare Nursing, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and ICTRP between September 20, 2005 to August 31, 2020. We included studies that evaluated subjective cognitive complaints and informant-reported questions in elderly patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 28,407 patients were included from 22 studies that assessed 21 subjective complaint questionnaires and nine informant-reported questionnaires. The most common subjective cognitive complaints were those assessing anterograde memory, closely followed by perceptual-motor function and executive function. The most common informant-reported questions were those assessing executive function, temporal orientation, and anterograde memory. Questions assessing learning and memory were most associated with results from standardized tests assessing cognitive impairment. Assessing learning and memory plays a key role in evaluating subjective cognitive decline in elderly patients. Delivering subjective cognitive complaints questions to elderly patient preoperatively may aid in screening for those exhibiting cognitive signs, and in turn are at risk of postoperative complications. Thus, the results from this review contribute to knowledge for healthcare professionals regarding the use of subjective cognitive complaints and informant-reported complaints in preoperative settings.

Perioperative adherence to continuous positive airway pressure and its effect on postoperative nocturnal hypoxemia in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, the perioperative adherence rate is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the perioperative adherence rate of patients with OSA with a CPAP prescription and the effect of adherence on nocturnal oxygen saturation. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included adult surgical patients with a diagnosis of OSA with CPAP prescription undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery. Patients were divided into CPAP adherent and non-adherent groups based on duration of usage (≥ 4 h/night). Overnight oximetry was performed preoperatively and on postoperative night 1 and 2 (N1, N2). The primary outcome was adherence rate and the secondary outcome was nocturnal oxygen saturation. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two patients completed the study. CPAP adherence was 61% preoperatively, 58% on postoperative N1, and 59% on N2. Forty-nine percent were consistently CPAP adherent pre- and postoperatively. Using a linear fixed effects regression, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was significantly improved by CPAP adherence (p = 0.0011). The interaction term CPAP x N1 was significant (p = 0.0015), suggesting that the effect of CPAP adherence varied on N1 vs preoperatively. There was no benefit of CPAP adherence on postoperative mean SpO2, minimum SpO2, and percentage of sleep duration with SpO2 < 90%. Use of supplemental oxygen therapy was much lower in the CPAP adherent group vs non-adherent group (9.8% vs 46.5%, p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a preoperative CPAP prescription, approximately 50% were consistently adherent. CPAP adherence was associated with improved preoperative ODI and the benefit was maintained on N1. These modest effects may be underestimated by a higher severity of OSA in the CPAP adherent group and a higher rate of oxygen supplementation in the non-adherent group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov registry ( NCT02796846 ).

Validation of the STOP-Bang questionnaire for screening of obstructive sleep apnea in the general population and commercial drivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a critical occupational health concern, but is often undiagnosed in the general population and commercial drivers. The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a simple, reliable tool to screen for OSA, which could improve public health in a cost-effective manner. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the validity of the STOP-Bang questionnaire to detect OSA in these key populations. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Journals @ Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL for relevant articles from 2008 to March 2020. The quality of studies was appraised using Cochrane Methods criteria. To calculate pooled predictive parameters, we created 2 × 2 contingency tables and performed random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Of 3871 citations, five studies that evaluated STOP-Bang in the general population (n = 8585) and two in commercial drivers (n = 185) were included. In the general population, prevalence of all OSA (AHI ≥ 5), moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15), and severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30) was 57.6%, 21.3%, and 7.8% respectively. In commercial drivers, the prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA was 37.3%. The trends of high sensitivity and negative predictive value of a STOP-Bang score ≥ 3 illustrates that the questionnaire helps detect and rule out clinically significant OSA in the general population and commercial drivers. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the STOP-Bang questionnaire is a valid and effective screening tool for OSA in the general population and commercial drivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO No. CRD42020200379; 08/22/2020.

A Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention With Varenicline, Counseling, and Fax Referral to a Telephone Quitline Versus a Brief Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of perioperative interventions to quit smoking with varenicline has not been compared with brief interventions. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation program versus a brief intervention for smoking cessation. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter study, 296 patients were randomized to participate in a smoking cessation program (one 10- to 15-minute counseling session, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a telephone quitline); or brief advice and self-referral to a telephone quitline. The primary outcome was the 7-day point prevalence (PP) abstinence at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months. Multivariable generalized linear regression was used to identify independent variables related to abstinence. RESULTS: The 7-day PP abstinence for the smoking cessation program versus brief advice group was 42.4% vs 26.2% (relative risk [RR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.25; P = .003) at 12 months. The 7-day PP abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months was higher in the smoking cessation group versus the brief advice group: 45.7% vs 25.5% (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.29-2.49; P < .001), 46.4% vs 26.9% (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.25-2.37; P< .001), and 45.0% vs 26.2% (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.24-2.38; P < .001), respectively. Participating in the smoking cessation group predicted abstinence at 12 months (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.12-2.21; P = .0087). CONCLUSIONS: A perioperative smoking cessation program with counseling, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a quitline increased abstinence from smoking 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery versus a brief intervention.

Postoperative Oxygen Therapy in Patients With OSA: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical patients with OSA are at increased risk for perioperative complications. Postoperative supplemental oxygen is commonly used, but it may contribute to respiratory depression in patients with OSA receiving opioids. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of postoperative supplemental oxygen on arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2), sleep respiratory events, and CO2 level in patients with untreated OSA. METHODS: Consented patients with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 5 events per hour on a preoperative polysomnography were randomized (1:1) to oxygen (O2 group) or no oxygen (control group). The O2 group received oxygen at 3 L/min via nasal prongs for three postoperative nights. The primary outcomes were polysomnographic parameters measuring Sao2, sleep respiratory events, and Pco2 measured by transcutaneous CO2 monitor (PtcCO2) on nights 1 through 3. The intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis were completed. RESULTS: There were 123 patients randomized (O2 group: n = 62; control group: n = 61). On night 3, the O2 vs control group had a higher average Sao2 (95.2% ± 3% vs 91.4% ± 4%, respectively; P < .001) and lower oxygen desaturation index (median, 2.3; 25th-75th percentile, 0.2-13.8 vs median, 18.5; 25th-75th percentile, 8.2-45.9 events per hour, respectively; P < .0001). The O2 group had a decreased AHI (median, 8.0; 25th-75th percentile, 2.1-19.9 vs median, 15.6; 25th-75th percentile, 9.5-45.8, respectively; P = .016), hypopnea index (P < .001), and central apnea index (P = .026) and a shortened longest apnea hypopnea duration (P = .002). Although time percentage with PtcCO2 ≥ 55 mm Hg ≥ 10% on postoperative night 1, 2, or 3 was found in 11.4% patients, there was no difference in PtcCO2 between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative supplemental oxygen was found to improve oxygenation and decrease the AHI without increasing the duration of apnea-hypopnea event or PtcCO2 level. A small number of patients had significant CO2 retention while receiving supplemental oxygen. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01552304; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Oxygen desaturation index from nocturnal oximetry: a sensitive and specific tool to detect sleep-disordered breathing in surgical patients.

INTRODUCTION: It is impractical to perform polysomnography (PSG) in all surgical patients suspected of having sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We investigated the role of nocturnal oximetry in diagnosing SDB in surgical patients. METHOD: All patients 18 years and older who visited the preoperative clinics for scheduled inpatient surgery were approached for study participation. Patients expected to have abnormal electroencephalographic findings were excluded. All patients underwent an overnight PSG at home with a portable device and a pulse oximeter. The PSG recordings were scored by a certified sleep technologist. The oximetry recordings were processed electronically. RESULT: Four hundred seventy-five patients completed the study: 217 males and 258 females, aged 60 ± 11 years, and body mass index 31 ± 7 kg/m(2). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the average number of episodes of apnea and hypopnea per hour of sleep, was 9.1 (2.8 to 21.4) [median (interquartile range)] and 64% patients had AHI >5. There was a significant correlation between oxygen desaturation index (ODI, hourly average number of desaturation episodes) and cumulative time percentage with SpO(2) <90% (CT90) from nocturnal oximetry, with the parameters measuring sleep breathing disorders from PSG. Compared to CT90, ODI had a stronger correlation and was a better predictor for AHI. The area under receiver operator characteristics curve for ODI to predict AHI >5, AHI >15, and AHI >30 was 0.908 (CI: 0.880 to 0.936), 0.931 (CI: 0.090 to 0.952), and 0.958 (CI: 0.937 to 0.979), respectively. The cutoff value based on the maximal accuracy for ODI to predict AHI >5, AHI >15, and AHI >30 was ODI >5, ODI >15, and ODI >30. The accuracy was 86% (CI: 83%-88%), 86% (CI: 83%-89%), and 94% (CI: 92%-96%), respectively. The ODI >10 demonstrated a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 75% to detect moderate and severe SDB. CONCLUSIONS: ODI from a high-resolution nocturnal oximeter is a sensitive and specific tool to detect undiagnosed SDB in surgical patients.

STOP questionnaire: a tool to screen patients for obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major risk factor for perioperative adverse events. However, no screening tool for OSA has been validated in surgical patients. This study was conducted to develop and validate a concise and easy-to-use questionnaire for OSA screening in surgical patients. METHODS: After hospital ethics approval, preoperative patients aged 18 yr or older and without previously diagnosed OSA were recruited. After a factor analysis, reliability check, and pilot study; four yes/no questions were used to develop this screening tool. The four questions were respectively related to snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, and high blood pressure (STOP). For validation, the score from the STOP questionnaire was evaluated versus the apnea-hypopnea index from monitored polysomnography. RESULTS: The STOP questionnaire was given to 2,467 patients, 27.5% classified as being at high risk of OSA. Two hundred eleven patients underwent polysomnography, 34 for the pilot test and 177 for validation. In the validation group, the apnea-hypopnea index was 20 +/- 6. The sensitivities of the STOP questionnaire with apnea-hypopnea index greater than 5, greater than 15, and greater than 30 as cutoffs were 65.6, 74.3, and 79.5%, respectively. When incorporating body mass index, age, neck circumference, and gender into the STOP questionnaire, sensitivities were increased to 83.6, 92.9, and 100% with the same apnea-hypopnea index cutoffs. CONCLUSIONS: The STOP questionnaire is a concise and easy-to-use screening tool for OSA. It has been developed and validated in surgical patients at preoperative clinics. Combined with body mass index, age, neck size, and gender, it had a high sensitivity, especially for patients with moderate to severe OSA.

Validation of the Berlin questionnaire and American Society of Anesthesiologists checklist as screening tools for obstructive sleep apnea in surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Because of the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its adverse impact on perioperative outcome, a practical screening tool for surgical patients is required. This study was conducted to validate the Berlin questionnaire and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) checklist in surgical patients and to compare them with the STOP questionnaire. METHODS: After hospital ethics approval, preoperative patients aged 18 yr or older and without previously diagnosed OSA were recruited. The scores from the Berlin questionnaire, ASA checklist, and STOP questionnaire were evaluated versus the apnea-hypopnea index from in-laboratory polysomnography. The perioperative data were collected through chart review. RESULTS: Of 2,467 screened patients, 33, 27, and 28% were respectively classified as being at high risk of OSA by the Berlin questionnaire, ASA checklist, and STOP questionnaire. The performance of the screening tools was evaluated in 177 patients who underwent polysomnography. The sensitivities of the Berlin questionnaire, ASA checklist, and STOP questionnaire were 68.9-87.2, 72.1-87.2, and 65.6-79.5% at different apnea-hypopnea index cutoffs. There was no significant difference between the three screening tools in the predictive parameters. The patients with an apnea-hypopnea index greater than 5 and the patients identified as being at high risk of OSA by the STOP questionnaire or ASA checklist had a significantly increased incidence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to the STOP questionnaire, the Berlin questionnaire and ASA checklist demonstrated a moderately high level of sensitivity for OSA screening. The STOP questionnaire and the ASA checklist were able to identify the patients who were likely to develop postoperative complications.