[Validation of microMESAM as screening device for sleep disordered breathing].

INTRODUCTION

Polysomnography (PSG) is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Because of costs and labor-intensity it is, however, performed last in graded diagnostic protocols that often involve respiratory pressure measurements via nasal canula as an alternative sensitive method for SDB detection. MicroMESAM, a newly developed screening device based on this method, allows automated analysis of apnoeas, hypopnoeas and snoring.

AIM AND METHODS

To validate the device, we first compared signal quality of MicroMESAM flow-time curves with those generated by a pneumotachograph. Then, in 50 patients suspected of having obstructive sleep apnoea, we compared MicroMESAM-generated automated analysis with manually scored results of simultaneously collected PSG data.

RESULTS

MicroMESAM-generated flow-time curves correspond with pneumotachograph-generated curves in 95% of respiratory events, resulting in less 4 +/- 2% difference in respective area under the curves. MicroMESAM and PSG generated numbers of apnoeas (r = 0.99) and hypopnoea (r = 0.81), as well as AHI (r = 0.98) correlated highly, displaying mean differences in AHI of 3.8, and in 1.96 sigma interval of + 11.1 to - 3.5/h. Sensitivities and specificities for SDB were 97.3%, respective 46% at SDB-defining AHI of 5, and 100%, respective 87.5%, at SDB-defining AHI of 10.

SUMMARY

MicroMESAM-generated flow-time curves correspond well with pneumotachograph generated curves, producing automated AHIs that are highly sensitive in detecting SDB. MicroMESAM, therefore, is suitable as a screening device for SDB.