Combination of oximetry and sleep questionnaires as screening tools for CPAP initiation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a cause of high morbidity and mortality so diagnosis and treatment is essential. Questionnaires and oximetry have been used for OSA screening.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical utility of different sleep questionnaires (Stop Bang (S-B), Berlin (BQ), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)) in deciding on treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and to examine whether the combination of the questionnaires alone or with oximetry improves their predictive value for CPAP initiation.

Respiratory effects in workers processing dried tobacco leaves.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the pollution level of the occupational environment and to investigate the effects of occupational exposure to tobacco dust on the respiratory system of tobacco workers. No such study has previously been conducted in Greece, which is one of the main tobacco-producing countries.

Methods: A total of 1,020 seasonal and permanent tobacco workers (188 men and 832 women) were studied in a factory in Thessaloniki.