[Situation in Spain of the diagnostic resources and of the treatment with continuous positive pressure respiration in sleep obstructive apnea-hypopnea syndrome].
Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is a major health problem whose estimated prevalence is 2 to 4% of the population. The Respiratory Insufficiency and Sleep Disorders Task Force estimated in 1995 that over one million people suffer SAHS with clinical repercussions in Spain while the number of patients receiving treatment was 8,000; diagnostic resources were not widely available. The aim of this study was to analyze the current situation in Spain. A survey carried out nation-wide in the period from 1995 to 1997 revealed that approximately 28,000 individuals were receiving nighttime support ventilation, signifying a prevalence of 72 per 100,000 inhabitants for this type of treatment. This situation has come about in a context of insufficient availability of diagnostic tools, with nocturnal oxygen levels having been established for some 37% of patients. We conclude that a broad plan to diagnose and treat patients with SAHS is required. The plan should include: a) greater availability of diagnostic tools; b) protocols for coordination; c) programs for continuous training and updating of knowledge of this disease, and d) revision of systems for financing support ventilation.
Terán Santos
J
J
Sección de Neumología, Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos. jteran@bio.hgy.es
Fernández García
C
C
Cordero Guevara
J
J
D019538:Health Care Surveys; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D016730:Program Development; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology