Comparison of Stop Bang Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder and is associated with significant morbidity. A simple but accurate tool to screen patients for OSA is needed. We wanted to compare STOP-BANG Questionnaire & Epworth Sleepiness Scale to predict the probability of OSA. MethodsA prospective observational study of 46 eligible patients was undertaken. They were assessed using SBQ & ESS & stratified as per the risk of OSA. The Apnoea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was calculated & patients were stratified into mild, moderate & severe OSA. The SBQ scores, ESS scores & AHI was then studied along with the predictive probabilities of both questionnaires in diagnosing OSA. ResultsOf the 46 patients, 89.13 % & 45.65 % were classified as high risk on the SBQ & ESS respectively. 78.26 % were diagnosed OSA on the sleep study according to AHI. SBQ had a high sensitivity to predict OSA (97.22 %) & low specificity (40 %). ESS had low sensitivity & high specificity to predict OSA being 52.78 % & 80 % respectively. ConclusionsBoth Stop-Bang questionnaire & ESS help in determining the risk of OSA. STOP-BANG is a better screening parameter due to its high sensitivity & negative predictive value.

Correlation of Six Minute Walk Test and Lung Function Test Variables (% FEV1, % FVC, % DLCO) in Patients with Connective Tissue Disorder - Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) also known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease, include a group of diffuse parenchymal infiltrative lung diseases. A restrictive defect is the most frequent pulmonary abnormality in patients with pulmonary fibrosis which is the usual consequence of many ILDs. Connective tissue disorders are usually rare, but are potentially life threatening conditions. The spectrum of ILD varies from mucocutaneous symptoms, arthralgia / arthritis to impairment of pulmonary and renal function. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), inflammatory muscle diseases and overlap-syndromes are grouped together as connective-tissue disorders. Involvement of lung and its function is the most common form of interstitial lung disease, leading to high morbidity and mortality among the group of connective tissue disorders. We wanted to correlate the 6-Min Walk Distance (6MWTD) with the Pulmonary Function Test values such as % FEV1, % FVC and FEV1 / FVC, among patients with connective tissue disorder associated Interstitial Lung Disease in SRM Medical College Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Tamilnadu, South India. MethodsThis study was done as a cross sectional analytical study among 31 patients in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology and General Medicine in SRM medical college and hospital. Each patient was explained the purpose of the study and the need for complete co-operation. Those who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Data was collected using a structured proforma. 6-minute walk test and pulmonary function tests were performed and correlated. ResultsThere appears to be a significant correlation between 6-minute walk test, % desaturation, 6 Minute Walk Test Distance, 6 Minute Walk Test Pre BDI and 6 Minute Walk Test Post BDI with spirometry values especially with the Spirometry FEV 1 %, Spirometry FVC % and % predicted DLCO. Conclusions6MWT can be used as a useful surrogate for pulmonary function tests especially among the population where spirometry is not possible. 6MWT has good reproducibility, is simple to perform and can be used as a screening tool for Interstitial Lung Disease in connective tissue disorder patients.