Mandibular movement monitor provides faster, yet accurate diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled study

Abstract

Many patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain undiagnosed and thus untreated, and in part this relates to delay in diagnosis. Novel diagnostic strategies may improve access to diagnosis. In a multicentre, randomised study, we evaluated time to treatment decision in patients referred for suspected OSA, comparing a mandibular movement (MM) monitor to respiratory polygraphy, the most commonly used OSA detection method in the UK. Adults with high pre-test probability OSA were recruited from both northern Scotland and London. 40 participants (70 % male, mean±SD age 46.8 ± 12.9 years, BMI 36.9 ± 7.5 kg/m2, ESS 14.9 ± 4.1) wore a MM monitor and respiratory polygraphy simultaneously overnight and were randomised (1:1) to receive their treatment decision based on results from either device. Compared to respiratory polygraphy, MM monitor reduced time to treatment decision by 6 days (median(IQR): 13.5 (7.0–21.5) vs. 19.5 (13.7–35.5) days, P = 0.017) and saved an estimated 29 min of staff time per patient.

Keywords

• Diagnostic pathways
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
• Mandibular movement
• Remote diagnosis
• Telemedicine
• Digital health