Clinical evaluation of overnight oximetry monitoring of high risk patients for obstructive sleep apnea

ABSTRACT

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] is a condition of sleep related pharyngeal collapse, in which recurrent episodes of upper airway occlusion occur during sleep causing diminution [hypopnea] or cessation of airflow [apnea] in the pharynx provoking arousals and sleep fragmentation, resulting in daytime sleepiness. Oximetry alone is very valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of OSA, it can identify most cases allowing referral for continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] treatment