TY - JOUR T1 - Effect of an ambulatory diagnostic and treatment program in patients with Sleep Apnoea JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/09031936.00013311 SP - erj00133-2011 AU - A.L. Andreu AU - E. Chiner AU - J.N. Sancho-Chust AU - E. Pastor AU - M. Llombart AU - E. Gomez-Merino AU - C. Senent AU - F. Barbé Y1 - 2011/01/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2011/07/07/09031936.00013311.abstract N2 - This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a home based program on clinical response, CPAP compliance and cost in a population of high pre-test probability of suffering obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).Patients were randomized into three groups: A: home respiratory polygraphy (RP) and home follow-up; B: hospital polysomnography and hospital follow-up; C: home RP and hospital follow-up. Evaluation during six months included: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and daily activity and symptom questionnaires. Compliance was assessed by memory cards (A) and using an hourly counter (B and C).Sixty-six patients were included (22 per branch), 83% males, 52±10 years, 34±7kg·m−2, apnoea -hypopnoea index 43±20 hour−1, CPAP pressure 8±2 cmH2O, with no between-group differences. Clinical response showed: ESS 15±3 to 6±4, FOSQ 16±3 to 18±2, symptoms 43±7 to 25±7, activity 37±11 to 25±8. At the end, compliance was: A 73%, B 68% and C 57%. The cost per patient was: A=590±43€, B=894±11€ and C=644±93€ (p<0.001).In conclusion, patients with a high initial probability of having OSAS can be diagnosed and treated in a home setting, with a high level of CPAP compliance and lower cost than using either a hospital-based approach or home RP/hospital follow-up. ER -