Application of IoT-based medical diagnosis and treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome in primary hospitals: A preliminary study

Objective: To conduct a preliminary study of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using the Internet of Things (IoT) medical technology and to explore the feasibility of the hierarchical diagnosis, treatment, and management of OSAHS patients using IoT medicine in primary hospitals. Methods: The IoT technology and a remote medical monitoring system were used to observe and compare the respiratory and sleep parameters before and after a three-month intervention in 47 patients with OSAHS who met the diagnostic criteria and were selected in the Kashgar region. All parameters were compared based on the severity (mild, moderate, and severe) of OSAHS. Results: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), and nighttime minimum oxygen saturation (lowest SaO2min) improved in patients with OSAHS from before to after treatment ([Formula: see text]). The improvements were more profound in OSAHS patients with cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. Conclusion: The IoT medical technology can help to hierarchically diagnose, treat, and manage patients with OSAHS. It is feasible for primary hospitals in rural regions to use the IoT technology for the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment of OSAHS patients.