Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and hyperinsulinemia. Pregnancy increases the risk of OSA; however, the relationship between OSA and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear. We aimed (1) to evaluate OSA prevalence in GDM patients; (2) to assess the association between OSA and GDM; and (3) to determine the relationships between sleep parameters with insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: A total of 177 consecutive women (89 with GDM, 88 controls) in the third trimester of pregnancy underwent a hospital polysomnography. OSA was defined when the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was ≥5h-1. RESULTS: Patients with GDM had higher pregestational body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference than controls, but no differences in snoring or OSA-symptoms, or AHI (3.2±6.0 vs. 1.9±2.7h-1, p=.069). OSA prevalence was not significantly different in both groups. We did not identify OSA as a GDM risk factor in the crude analysis 1.65 (95%CI: 0.73-3.77; p=.232). Multiple regression showed that total sleep time (TST), TST spent with oxygen saturation<90% (T90), and maximum duration of respiratory events as independent factors related with homeostasis model assessment of IR, while T90 was the only independent determinant of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. CONCLUSION: OSA prevalence during the third trimester of pregnancy was not significantly different in patients with GDM than without GDM, and no associations between OSA and GDM determinants were found. We identified T90 and obstructive respiratory events length positive-related to IR, while TST showed an inverse relationship with IR in pregnant women.

Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Systemic Inflammation in Pregnancy.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in pregnancy and it is associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight. Maternal systemic inflammation is proposed to be one of the main intermediate mechanisms. However, the effects of OSA on systemic inflammation are unknown in normal pregnancy. Methods: Women in the 3rd trimester underwent hospital polysomnography to evaluate whether OSA increases systemic inflammation in normal pregnancy and its potential association with adverse fetal outcomes. OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥ 5 h-1. Plasma cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined by multiple immunoassays. Results: We included 11 patients with OSA and 22 women with AHI < 5 h-1, who were homogeneous in age, and body mass index (BMI). Women with OSA had significant higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10. We found significant correlations between AHI during REM and TNF-α (r = 0.40), IL-1ß (r = 0.36), IL-6 (r = 0.52), IL-8 (r = 0.43), between obstructive apnea index and TNF-α (r = 0.46) and between AHI and IL-1ß (r = 0.43). We also found that CT90% was related to IL-8 (r = 0.37). There were no significant differences in neonatal characteristics; however, we found inverse correlations between TNF-α and IL-8 with birth weight (both r = -0.48), while IL-8 showed a significant inverse relationship with neonatal gestational age (r = -0.48). Conclusions: OSA in our normal pregnancy population was associated with higher systemic inflammation, which was related to obstructive events, especially during REM sleep. Moreover, systemic inflammation was inversely correlated with neonatal birth weight and age.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and hyperinsulinemia. Pregnancy increases the risk of OSA; however, the relationship between OSA and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear. We aimed (1) to evaluate OSA prevalence in GDM patients; (2) to assess the association between OSA and GDM; and (3) to determine the relationships between sleep parameters with insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: A total of 177 consecutive women (89 with GDM, 88 controls) in the third trimester of pregnancy underwent a hospital polysomnography. OSA was defined when the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was ≥5h-1. RESULTS: Patients with GDM had higher pregestational body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference than controls, but no differences in snoring or OSA-symptoms, or AHI (3.2±6.0 vs. 1.9±2.7h-1, p=.069). OSA prevalence was not significantly different in both groups. We did not identify OSA as a GDM risk factor in the crude analysis 1.65 (95%CI: 0.73-3.77; p=.232). Multiple regression showed that total sleep time (TST), TST spent with oxygen saturation<90% (T90), and maximum duration of respiratory events as independent factors related with homeostasis model assessment of IR, while T90 was the only independent determinant of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. CONCLUSION: OSA prevalence during the third trimester of pregnancy was not significantly different in patients with GDM than without GDM, and no associations between OSA and GDM determinants were found. We identified T90 and obstructive respiratory events length positive-related to IR, while TST showed an inverse relationship with IR in pregnant women.

Multimorbidity networks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure in men and women: Evidence from the EpiChron Cohort.

Patients with heart failure (HF) and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) constitute a complex population with different phenotypes based on pathophysiology, comorbidity, sex and age. We aimed to compare the multimorbidity patterns of HF and COPD in men and women using network analysis. Individuals aged 40 years or older on 2015 of the EpiChron Cohort (Aragon, Spain) were stratified by sex and as having COPD (n = 28,608), HF (n = 13,414), or COPD and HF (n = 3952). We constructed one network per group by obtaining age-adjusted phi correlations between comorbidities. For each sex, networks differed between the three study groups; between sexes, similarities were found for the two HF groups. We detected some specific diseases highly connected in all networks (e.g., cardio-metabolic, respiratory diseases, and chronic kidney failure), and some others that were group-specific that would require further study. We identified common clusters (i.e., cardio-metabolic, cardiovascular, cancer, and neuro-psychiatric) and others specific and clinically relevant in COPD patients (e.g., behavioral risk disorders were systematically associated with psychiatric diseases in women and cancer in men). Network analysis represents a powerful tool to analyze, visualize, and compare the multimorbidity patterns of COPD and HF, also facilitated by developing an ad hoc website.

Somatotypes trajectories during adulthood and their association with COPD phenotypes.

RATIONALE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprises distinct phenotypes, all characterised by airflow limitation. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesised that somatotype changes - as a surrogate of adiposity - from early adulthood follow different trajectories to reach distinct phenotypes. METHODS: Using the validated Stunkard's Pictogram, 356 COPD patients chose the somatotype that best reflects their current body build and those at ages 18, 30, 40 and 50 years. An unbiased group-based trajectory modelling was used to determine somatotype trajectories. We then compared the current COPD-related clinical and phenotypic characteristics of subjects belonging to each trajectory. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At 18 years of age, 88% of the participants described having a lean or medium somatotype (estimated body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 23 kg·m-2) while the other 12% a heavier somatotype (estimated BMI between 25 and 27 kg·m-2). From age 18 onwards, five distinct trajectories were observed. Four of them demonstrating a continuous increase in adiposity throughout adulthood with the exception of one, where the initial increase was followed by loss of adiposity after age 40. Patients with this trajectory were primarily females with low BMI and D LCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide). A persistently lean trajectory was seen in 14% of the cohort. This group had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), D LCO, more emphysema and a worse BODE (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity) score thus resembling the multiple organ loss of tissue (MOLT) phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients have distinct somatotype trajectories throughout adulthood. Those with the MOLT phenotype maintain a lean trajectory throughout life. Smoking subjects with this lean phenotype in early adulthood deserve particular attention as they seem to develop more severe COPD.

Validación pronóstica según los criterios de la GesEPOC 2017 / Prognostic Validation Using GesEPOC 2017 Severity Criteria

Introducción: La Guía española de la EPOC (GesEPOC) ha sido recientemente modificada. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la clasificación y el pronóstico de los enfermos según la nueva clasificación de la gravedad. Métodos: Se siguió a 700 enfermos con EPOC (83,9% varones) durante un periodo medio de 5 años en hospitales españoles y de EE. UU. Se midieron datos antropométricos, función pulmonar, disnea medida con la escala mMRC, así como exacerbaciones y los índices de BODE y Charlson. Se clasificaron según el riesgo proporcionado por GesEPOC y se valoró el pronóstico a 5 años. Resultados: Los pacientes tenían una edad media de 66 ± 9,6 años y un FEV1% de 59,7 ± 20,2. El 40,43% de la muestra se encontraba en bajo riesgo. Los sujetos del grupo de alto riesgo presentaban un índice de BODE significativamente mayor que los de bajo riesgo (2,92 ± 0,66 vs. 0,52 ± 1,91, p < 0,001). El índice de Charlson fue similar entre ambos grupos. La mortalidad a 60 meses en el grupo de alto riesgo fue significativamente mayor que en el de bajo riesgo (31,7% vs. 15.5%, p < 0,001). Tanto la disnea como el FEV1% fueron también predictores independientes de mortalidad (p < 0,001), siendo cada uno de ellos no inferior prediciendo mortalidad que el conjunto de los criterios del grupo de alto riesgo de GesEPOC. Conclusiones: La nueva clasificación de la gravedad de GesEPOC predice la mortalidad de forma adecuada. No obstante, tanto el FEV1% como la disnea tienen la misma potencia para predecir mortalidad

Introduction: The Spanish COPD guidelines (GesEPOC) have been recently modified. The aim of this study is to assess this revision and evaluate the prognosis of patients according to the new classification of severity. Methods: A total of 700 COPD patients (83.9% men) were prospectively followed up for a mean period of 5 years in tertiary hospitals in Spain and the USA. Anthropometric data, lung function tests, dyspnea (according to the mMRC scale), BODE and Charlson index were collected. We calculated mortality at 5 years following the risk criteria proposed by the new GesEPOC. Results: Mean age was 66 ± 9.6 years and mean FEV1% was 59.7 ± 20.2. The proportion of patients in the low-risk group was 40.43%. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly higher BODE index than those in the low-risk group (2.92 ± 0,66 vs. 0.52 ± 1.91, p < 0.001), while the Charlson index score was similar in both groups. Mortality at 60 months was significantly higher in the high-risk group (31.7% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001). Dyspnea and FEV1% were also independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.001), and neither was inferior to the risk classification proposed by GesEPOC. Conclusions: The new severity index proposed by GesEPOC accurately predicts 5-year mortality. However, dyspnea and FEV1% have the same strength in predicting mortality

Prognostic Validation Using GesEPOC 2017 Severity Criteria. / Validación pronóstica según los criterios de la GesEPOC 2017.

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish COPD guidelines (GesEPOC) have been recently modified. The aim of this study is to assess this revision and evaluate the prognosis of patients according to the new classification of severity. METHODS: A total of 700 COPD patients (83.9% men) were prospectively followed up for a mean period of 5 years in tertiary hospitals in Spain and the USA. Anthropometric data, lung function tests, dyspnea (according to the mMRC scale), BODE and Charlson index were collected. We calculated mortality at 5 years following the risk criteria proposed by the new GesEPOC. RESULTS: Mean age was 66±9.6 years and mean FEV1% was 59.7±20.2. The proportion of patients in the low-risk group was 40.43%. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly higher BODE index than those in the low-risk group (2.92±0,66 vs. 0.52±1.91, p<0.001), while the Charlson index score was similar in both groups. Mortality at 60 months was significantly higher in the high-risk group (31.7% vs. 15.5%, p<0.001). Dyspnea and FEV1% were also independent predictors of mortality (p<0.001), and neither was inferior to the risk classification proposed by GesEPOC. CONCLUSIONS: The new severity index proposed by GesEPOC accurately predicts 5-year mortality. However, dyspnea and FEV1% have the same strength in predicting mortality.

Comparison of the 2017 and 2015 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Reports. Impact on Grouping and Outcomes.

RATIONALE: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) document has modified the grading system directing pharmacotherapy, but how this relates to the previous one from 2015 and to comorbidities, hospitalizations, and mortality risk is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the GOLD groups from 2015 to 2017 and to assess the impact on severity, comorbidities, and mortality within each group. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled and followed, for a mean of 5 years, 819 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (84% male) in clinics in Spain and the United States. We determined anthropometrics, lung function (FEV1%), dyspnea score (modified Medical Research Council scale), ambulatory and hospital exacerbations, and the body mass index, obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) and Charlson indexes. We classified patients by the 2015 and 2017 GOLD ABCD system, and compared the differential realignment of the same patients. We related the effect of the reclassification in BODE and Charlson distribution as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and all-cause mortality between the two classifications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Compared with 2015, the 2017 grading decreased by half the proportion of patients in groups C and D (20.5% vs. 11.2% and 24.6% vs. 12.9%; P < 0.001). The distribution of Charlson also changed, whereas group D was higher than B in 2015, they become similar in the 2017 system. In 2017, the BODE index and risk of death were higher in B and D than in A and C. The mortality risk was better predicted by the 2015 than the 2017 system. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with 2015, the GOLD ABCD 2017 classification significantly shifts patients from grades C and D to categories A and B. The new grading system equalizes the Charlson comorbidity score in all groups and minimizes the differences in BODE between groups B and D, making the risk of death similar between them.

Ancho de distribución eritrocitaria en apnea obstructiva del sueño / Red cell distribution width in obstructive sleep apnea

Introducción. El ancho de distribución eritrocitaria (ADE) describe el grado de heterogeneidad en el tamaño de los hematíes. Un incremento de ADE se ha asociado con exceso de mortalidad en insuficiencia cardiaca y otras enfermedades crónicas. Dado que existe mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad cardiovascular en apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS), es posible que estos pacientes presenten un ADE elevado. Método. Se reclutaron sujetos de 18 a 60 años remitidos a la Unidad de Trastornos Respiratorios del Sueño (UTRS) por sospecha de AOS. Se excluyeron sujetos con cualquier comorbilidad. En la poligrafía respiratoria se determinó el índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH). El ADE se obtuvo a partir del hemograma. Al año de seguimiento se determinaron los cambios de ADE tras tratamiento con presión positiva continua en la vía respiratoria (CPAP). Resultados. Se incluyeron 34 sujetos sin AOS y 138 con AOS con una edad de 40,5 ± 9,8 y 45,6 ± 9,2 (p = 0,004) respectivamente. El ADE fue mayor en sujetos con AOS que en sujetos sanos: 13,40 (12,40-14,40) vs. 13,15 (12,07-14,23) (p=0,036). El IAH mostró una relación positiva e independiente con ADE tanto en el conjunto de la población (r = 0,223; p = 0,002) como en el grupo con AOS (r = 0,231; p = 0,005). No se observaron cambios significativos de ADE tras un año de tratamiento con CPAP. Conclusiones. El ADE está aumentado en AOS en relación directa con su gravedad, sin embargo, sus niveles no se ven modificados por el tratamiento efectivo de la AOS con CPAP

Introduction. Red cell distribution width (RDW) describes heterogeneity in the size of red blood cells. An increase in RDW has been associated with excess mortality in heart failure and other chronic diseases. Since there is an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is possible that these patients have a high RDW. Method. We recruited subjects aged 18 to 60 years referred to the sleep-disordered breathing unit for suspected OSA. Subjects with any comorbidity were excluded. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated from the respiratory polygraphy. The RDW was obtained from the complete blood count. Changes in RDW after one year of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were determined. Results. We included 34 healthy subjects and 138 with OSA, aged 40.5 ± 9.8 and 45.6 ± 9.2 (P = .004) years, respectively. The RDW was higher in subjects with OSA compared to healthy subjects: 13.40 (12.40 to 14.40) vs. 13.15 (12.07 to 14.23) (P = .036). AHI showed a positive independent relationship with RDW in both the whole population (r = 0.223; P = .002) and the OSA group (r = 0.231; P = .005). No significant changes were found in RDW after one year of CPAP therapy. Conclusions. RDW increase in patients with OSA is directly associated with severity, although levels are not modified by the effective treatment of OSA with CPAP

Red Cell Distribution Width in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. / Ancho de distribución eritrocitaria en apnea obstructiva del sueño.

INTRODUCTION: Red cell distribution width (RDW) describes heterogeneity in the size of red blood cells. An increase in RDW has been associated with excess mortality in heart failure and other chronic diseases. Since there is an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is possible that these patients have a high RDW. METHOD: We recruited subjects aged 18 to 60 years referred to the sleep-disordered breathing unit for suspected OSA. Subjects with any comorbidity were excluded. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated from the respiratory polygraphy. The RDW was obtained from the complete blood count. Changes in RDW after one year of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were determined. RESULTS: We included 34 healthy subjects and 138 with OSA, aged 40.5±9.8 and 45.6±9.2 (P=.004) years, respectively. The RDW was higher in subjects with OSA compared to healthy subjects: 13.40 (12.40 to 14.40) vs. 13.15 (12.07 to 14.23) (P=.036). AHI showed a positive independent relationship with RDW in both the whole population (r=0.223; P=.002) and the OSA group (r=0.231; P=.005). No significant changes were found in RDW after one year of CPAP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: RDW increase in patients with OSA is directly associated with severity, although levels are not modified by the effective treatment of OSA with CPAP.

Clasificación de la gravedad de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica según la nueva guía Iniciativa Global para la Enfermedad Obstructiva Crónica 2011: COPD Assessment Test versus modified Medical Research Council / Classification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Severity According to the New Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2011 Guidelines: COPD Assessment Test Versus Modified Medical Research Council Scale

Introducción: La revisión GOLD 2011 propone estratificar a los pacientes con EPOC midiendo la repercusión de la enfermedad mediante la escala mMRC o mediante el cuestionario CAT. Nuestro objetivo es conocer si la elección de un método u otro resulta equivalente. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional sobre una cohorte de 283 pacientes diagnosticados de EPOC. Se analizaron resultados demográficos, funcionales respiratorios y de evaluación mediante CAT y mMRC, aplicados el mismo día y por el mismo entrevistador a cada paciente. Se distribuyeron en categorías GOLD 2011 según el resultado de la evaluación y se determinó el grado de concordancia y la correlación de Spearman. Se utilizó el test de ANOVA sobre las variables clínicas y funcionales de las 4 categorías GOLD 2011. Resultados: Al evaluar la clasificación de pacientes según el método empleado, se obtuvo una correlación global ρ = 0,613 y un grado de concordancia κ = 0,63 (moderado). Se obtuvo κ = 0,44 para los 152 pacientes de las categorías A y B (moderado-débil), y de 0,38 para los 131 pacientes de las categorías C y D (débil). Se apreciaron diferencias entre categorías en cuanto a parámetros funcionales. Conclusiones: La clasificación de los pacientes con EPOC según la evaluación propuesta por GOLD 2011 varía según se emplee CAT o mMRC; se reclasifica a más del 25% de pacientes en diferentes categorías, implicando diferencias en la estrategia terapéutica recomendada. Son necesarios estudios longitudinales que permitan valorar qué método clasifica mejor a los pacientes, atendiendo a su capacidad pronóstica

Introduction: The GOLD 2011 revision proposes to stratify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring the impact of the disease using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale or COPD assessment test (CAT). Our aim was to determine whether both methods are equivalent. Patients and methods: Observational study on a cohort of 283 patients diagnosed with COPD. We analyzed the demographic and lung function results. Patients were assessed by CAT and mMRC on the same day by the same interviewer, and divided into GOLD 2011 categories according to the result of the evaluation. The degree of concordance and Spearman correlation were determined. We used ANOVA on the clinical and functional variables of the four GOLD 2011 categories. Results: On assessing the classification of patients according to the method used, an overall correlation of ρ = 0.613 and a degree of concordance of κ = 0.63 (moderate) were obtained. κ = 0.44 was obtained for the 152 patients in categories A and B (moderate-low), and at 0.38 for the 131 patients in categories C and D (low). Differences were observed between the categories in terms of functional parameters. Conclusions: The classification of patients with COPD using the assessment proposed by GOLD 2011 varies according to the method used (CAT or mMRC); more than 25% of patients were reclassified into different categories, implying differences in the recommended therapeutic strategy. Longitudinal studies are needed to appraise which method does better classification of the patients, according to its prognostic ability

Classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity according to the new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2011 guidelines: COPD assessment test versus modified Medical Research Council scale.

INTRODUCTION: The GOLD2011 revision proposes to stratify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring the impact of the disease using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale or COPD assessment test (CAT). Our aim was to determine whether both methods are equivalent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study on a cohort of 283 patients diagnosed with COPD. We analyzed the demographic and lung function results. Patients were assessed by CAT and mMRC on the same day by the same interviewer, and divided into GOLD2011 categories according to the result of the evaluation. The degree of concordance and Spearman correlation were determined. We used ANOVA on the clinical and functional variables of the four GOLD2011 categories. RESULTS: Assessing the classification of patients according to the method used, an overall correlation ρ=0.613 and a degree of concordance κ=0.63 (moderate) were obtained. κ=0.44 was obtained for the 152 patients in categoriesA and B (moderate-low), and 0.38 for the 131 patients in categoriesC and D (low). Differences were observed between categories in terms of functional parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The classification of patients with COPD using the assessment proposed by GOLD2011 varies according to the method used (CAT or mMRC); more than 25% of patients were reclassified into different categories, implying differences in the recommended therapeutic strategy. Longitudinal studies are needed to appraise which method better classifies patients, according to its prognostic ability.

[Resources and delays in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]. / Recursos y demoras en el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño (SAHS).

OBJECTIVE: The demand for consultations and diagnostic studies for sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) has increased, and this has led to considerable delays. We therefore need an updated evaluation of the diagnostic situation to serve as a management tool for specialists and health care administrations responsible for solving the problem. The objective of the present study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the situation regarding the diagnosis of SAHS in Spanish hospitals. METHODS: We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Public and private hospitals listed in the Ministry of Health's 2005 catalog of health care institutions were contacted, and those that routinely evaluate patients for SAHS were included in the study. The person in charge of each hospital filled in a questionnaire concerning the availability of resources and waiting periods for diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 741 hospitals we contacted, 217 routinely evaluated patients for SAHS. In 88% of these, respiratory polygraphy (RP) (n=168) or polysomnography (PSG) (n=97) was available. The mean waiting period was 61 days for consultation and 224 days for RP. The mean number of RP systems was 0.99 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The mean waiting period for PSG was 166 days. The mean number of PSG beds was 0.49 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 1 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a marked inadequacy of resources that has led to unacceptable waiting periods. While there has been a favorable change in the situation regarding SAHS diagnosis compared to previous studies, there is still room for improvement and it is urgent that healt hcare authorities allocate more resources to this public health problem.

Recursos y demoras en el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño (SAHS) / Resources and delays in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Objetivo: La demanda de consultas y estudios diagnósticos del síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño (SAHS) se ha incrementado, lo que ha llevado a importantes demoras. Por tanto, es precisa una evaluación actualizada de la situación del diagnóstico que sirva como herramienta de gestión a especialistas y las administraciones sanitarias que tienen la responsabilidad de solventar el problema. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido realizar un análisis descriptivo de la situación del diagnóstico del SAHS en los hospitales españoles. Métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se estableció contacto con los centros públicos y privados incluidos en el catálogo de instituciones sanitarias del Ministerio de Sanidad de 2005. Se incluyeron aquellos que evaluaban habitualmente a pacientes con SAHS. El responsable de cada centro rellenó un cuestionario sobre disponibilidad de recursos y demoras para el diagnóstico. Resultados: De los 741 centros con los que se estableció contacto, 217 evaluaban habitualmente a pacientes con SAHS. El 88% disponía de poligrafía respiratoria (PR) (n = 168) o polisomnografía (PSG) (n = 97). La demora media en consulta fue de 61 días, y la demora media para realizar PR, de 224 días. La media de equipos de PR fue de 0,99/100.000 habitantes, cuando lo recomendable es 3/100.000. La demora media para PSG fue de 166 días. La media de camas de PSG fue de 0,49/100.000 habitantes y lo recomendable es 1/100.000. Conclusiones: Se observa una notable deficiencia de recursos que lleva a inaceptables listas de espera. Aunque la situación del diagnóstico de SAHS ha cambiado favorablemente con respecto a estudios previos, sigue siendo mejorable y es imprescindible que las autoridades sanitarias dediquen más recursos a este problema de salud pública

Objective: The demand for consultations and diagnostic studies for sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) has increased, and this has led to considerable delays. We therefore need an updated evaluation of the diagnostic situation to serve as a management tool for specialists and health care administrations responsible for solving the problem. The objective of the present study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the situation regarding the diagnosis of SAHS in Spanish hospitals. Methods: We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Public and private hospitals listed in the Ministry of Health's 2005 catalog of health care institutions were contacted, and those that routinely evaluate patients for SAHS were included in the study. The person in charge of each hospital filled in a questionnaire concerning the availability of resources and waiting periods for diagnosis. Results: Of the 741 hospitals we contacted, 217 routinely evaluated patients for SAHS. In 88% of these, respiratory polygraphy (RP) (n=168) or polysomnography (PSG) (n=97) was available. The mean waiting period was 61 days for consultation and 224 days for RP. The mean number of RP systems was 0.99 per 100 000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 3 per 100 000 inhabitants. The mean waiting period for PSG was 166 days. The mean number of PSG beds was 0.49 per 100 000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 1 per 100 000. Conclusions: We observed a marked inadequacy of resources that has led to unacceptable waiting periods. While there has been a favorable change in the situation regarding SAHS diagnosis compared to previous studies, there is still room for improvement and it is urgent that healt hcare authorities allocate more resources to this public health problem