Evaluation of the Epworth sleepiness scale in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

The obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is nowadays a problem in health care as it increases the risk of cardiovascular morbid-mortality and vehicle crash accidents. The overnight polysomnography is the standard for the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. However, as it is costly, time-consuming and has a difficult access, others methods have been proposed. Despite the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) being a subjective evaluation, it is a simple questionnaire, has an ease administration, without any cost. Aim: to examine the correlation between Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of polysomnography in patients with OSAHS. Study Design: clinical retrospective. Material and Method: the charts of 66 patients with complain of snoring that had surgical procedures (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and/or nasal surgery) were available for analysis. The ESS score and the AHI were evaluated previously and after the surgical procedures. Results: 78% of patients that had normal AHI, presented score < 10 in the ESS. In addition, 65% of patients with severe apnea had score>10. These were statistically significant. There were no significant results for mild and moderate groups. Conclusion: the ESS can distinguish the normal and severe groups but not the mild and moderate. So that, can be used in the following-up of patients with OSAHS but not substitute the polysomnography.