PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Annemie Mensink
AU  - Steven Uil
AU  - Bart Kuipers
TI  - Berlin questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale, useful screening instruments for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 3246
VI  - 38
IP  - Suppl 55
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/3246.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/3246.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38
AB  - Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is often not recognised by doctors. Tested and validated questionnaires are needed to assist them with the recognition of OSAS symptoms. In this study two questionnaires were validated.Method: It concerned a retrospective validation study for the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). 63 patients completed these questionnaires prior to their first outpatient visit to our sleep clinic. All patients underwent a polygraphy to determine their Apnea-Hypopnea Index. Diagnosis was based on the anamnesis and the polygrapy results. Sensitivity, specificity and internal consistency of these questionnaires were assessed.Results: According to the BQ, 24 patients (38%) scored a low risk of OSAS and 39 patients (62%) a high risk. ESS-scores averaged 7.9±4.4 (scale 0-24). Sensitivity of the BQ was 67% and specificity 48%. The internal consistency of the BQ ranged from moderate to good (Cronbach's α 0.61-0.80). Sensitivity and specificity of the ESS were 45% and 81% with a cut-off point of 8, which according to literature is the cut-off point between normal and abnormal sleepiness. A cut-off point of 5 appeared to be a more preferable choice for this population. Sensitivity increased to 71% and specificity decreased to 48%. Internal consistency of the questionnaires was good (Cronbach's α 0.80).Conclusion: Given the low to moderate sensitivity and specificity, the BQ and ESS were of low value as screening tools for patients who were referred to the sleep clinic.