Assessment of the test-retest reliability of laboratory polysomnography.

Statement Of The Problem: When conducting a treatment intervention study, it is assumed that a level of reliability can be obtained from the measurement tool such that the outcome can be reasonably assessed.

Purpose Of Study: Investigate the reliability of laboratory polysomnography, the gold standard for assessment of treatment outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea, at a 1-month interval.

Materials And Methods: In a clinical trial of 118 patients recruited to assess the effects of a pharmaceutical treatment intervention, a subset of 20 patients designated as placebo controls completed two polysomnography studies, one at baseline and one at least one month later.

In-home evaluation of efficacy and titration of a mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea.

There is increasing evidence that mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can be an effective treatment for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a highly prevalent chronic disease. In this study, the objectives were to objectively assess the effectiveness of MAD therapy using a limited channel recorder, and to develop a model for identifying patients who may be appropriate for MAD therapy as the initial treatment option. Thirty patients were prospectively recruited and studied at two independent dentist offices and the participants' homes.

Description and validation of the apnea risk evaluation system: a novel method to diagnose sleep apnea-hypopnea in the home.

Study Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy and practicality of the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES; Advanced Brain Monitoring; Carlsbad, CA), a limited-channel system for diagnosing sleep apnea/hypopnea in the home.

Design: Prospective randomized study with blinded analysis.

Settings: Two independent, community-based, sleep-disorders centers and the participants' homes.