Overnight pulse oximetry for obstructive sleep apnea screening among patients with snoring in primary care setting: Clinical case report

Abstract

This clinical case report illustrated a typical patient presented with snoring in the primary care. He was screened positive for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by overnight pulse oximetry and then referred to respiratory specialist care. With early confirmation and treatment of OSA, symptoms and comorbidity associated with OSA can be improved and risk for cardiovascular complication can be prevented. Among 264 cohort patients presented primarily with snoring in one primary care clinic of Hong Kong, 175 patients (66.2%) were screened to have OSA. About 56.0% (98/175), 26.2% (46/175), and 17.8% (31/175) were classified as mild, moderate, and severe OSA, respectively. In view of high prevalence of OSA among snorers, and OSA-related exacerbation in comorbid conditions and increased risk of cardiovascular complication, there is a need to stimulate OSA screening among snoring patients in primary care.

Keywords

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• overnight pulse oximetry
• snoring