A Predictive Performance of STOP-BANG Score and Epworth Sleepiness Scale in Suspected Sleep Apnea Individuals

Abstract

Background: Incidence of sleep apnea is rising globally. STOP-BANG (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed choking, Pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), Age, Neck girth, Gender) Score and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) are outpatient assessment scores available to suspect and estimate the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that is compared with gold standard test overnight polysomnography. Objective: The objective of the article was to validate and establish a correlation of variables of STOP-BANG Score, ESS, and Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) from polysomnography. Methods: Retrospective study in patients aged 18 or more who were referred to the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, BJMC, Ahmedabad, between April 2017 and December 2020 who had complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness underwent overnight polysomnography after physical examination in the outpatient department. Results: Of our study population (n = 200), number of men were 137 (68.5%) and women were 63 (31.5%) with a male:female ratio of 2.17:1. Mean BMI, neck girth, ESS, STOP-BANG Score, and AHI were 32.78 ± 6.9 kg/m2, 39.49 ± 5.97 cm, 14.48 ± 3.91, 5.34 ± 1.7, and 48.22 ± 23, respectively, and the number of patients according to severity was mild 16 (8%), moderate 36 (18%), and severe 146 (73%). The Pearson correlation counted between neck girth (r = 0.68), ESS (r = 0.73) and STOP-BANG Score (r = 0.55) with AHI with a significant p value (<0.0001). Conclusion: Snoring is the most common symptom in suspected OSA individuals. The study showed a positive correlation of BMI, neck girth, ESS >10, STOP-BANG Score >3 with severity of OSA depicted in polysomnography.