PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Marcus Pittman AU - Martina Mason AU - Danielle Packer AU - Rebecca Chadwick AU - Timothy Quinnell TI - Validation of the STOP-BANG questionnaire as a screening tool for sleep apnoea in patients undergoing ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation DP - 2013 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - P2031 VI - 42 IP - Suppl 57 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2031.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2031.full SO - Eur Respir J2013 Sep 01; 42 AB - BackgroundPatients with treated obstructive sleep apnoea have greater success compared to those untreated, when undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) (Patel Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2010: 445-51). The STOP-BANG questionnaire has not been validated in AF patients. We present preliminary results from a study examining its predictive value in this group.MethodsPatients with paroxysmal (P)AF due for ablation were recruited, completed the STOP-BANG and underwent overnight oximetry. Sleep apnoea was defined as a 4% oxygen desaturation index of >5/hr. A sleep physician assessed subjects to determine the likely nature of any apnoeas present and the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).ResultsOf 40 patients, 15 (37.5%) had sleep apnoea and 5 (12.5%) required CPAP. One participant had oximetry consistent with central apnoea, later confirmed on a respiratory study.View this table:Characteristics of the participantsThe STOP-BANG questionnaire had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 60% for detecting sleep apnoea in this group. STOP questions alone had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 68%. For predicting sleep apnoea requiring CPAP their sensitivity was 100% and specificity 63%.ConclusionUndiagnosed sleep apnoea is highly prevalent in patients with PAF. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is highly sensitive for detecting sleep apnoea in this group. The STOP questions appear to be a useful screening tool for sleep apnoea requiring CPAP in PAF patients.