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


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Wang
Y
Y
Ruhrlandklinik, Das Lungenzentrum, Abteilung Pneumologie/Schlaf- und Beatmungsmedizin, Essen.
Teschler
T
T
Weinreich
G
G
Hess
S
S
Wessendorf
T E
TE
Teschler
H
H
D001331:Automation; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017286:Polysomnography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012913:Snoring