Evaluation of the efficiency of anthropometric parameters and submental ultrasonographic indices as predictors for screening of obstructive sleep apnea and its severity

Abstract

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a chronic disease characterized by episodes of upper airway collapse, and has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. Clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that OSA and obesity are strongly associated. Aim The aim of this study was to demonstrate probable positive predictive anthropometric indices and ultrasonic parameters (anatomical and dynamic) and their possible cutoff values for the diagnosis of OSA and its severity. Patients and methods A total of 80 adult patients with at least one of the major OSA symptoms were included in this study, and polysomnography was performed to confirm diagnosis and classify patients according to apnea–hypopnea index into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Anthropometric indices such as abdominal circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference (NC) were measured for all included patients. Submental ultrasound was performed to measure retropalatal diameter, distance between lingual arteries, retroglossal airspaces, and tongue base thickness. Results The cutoff values of 39.5 cm for NC (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 77%) and of 25mm for retropalatal diameter during Muller maneuver (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 82%) showed the most predictive value for both the presence and the severity of OSA, especially when used concomitantly (with 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity). Conclusion Concomitant submental ultrasonography and NC may be a promising tool for screening of OSA and its severity for possible early intervention.

Keywords

• anthropometric
• obstructive sleep apnea
• outcome
• predictors
• Ultrasonography