Home diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea in coronary patients: validity of a simplified device automated analysis.

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate a type 3 portable simplified device as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in coronary patients.

Materials And Methods: In 50 patients selected independently from sleep complaints, we compared the number of respiratory events per hour of valid recording time counted automatically by the device and the number counted manually per hour of sleep on polysomnography performed at home during the same night.

Results: Five patients were excluded because of technical failures. Estimated OSA prevalences (95% confidence interval) for apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) cut-offs > or = 5, > or = 15, and > or = 30 by polysomnography were 0.93 (0.81-0.98), 0.69 (0.53-0.81), and 0.27 (0.15-0.42), respectively. The device would have correctly diagnosed 75% of patients with severe OSA (AHI > or = 30 by polysomnography) and would have classified the remaining 25% as having moderate OSA.

Discussion: This ambulatory device may prove valuable in reducing the costs of diagnosing and managing OSA in coronary patients.