The role of the Berlin Questionnaire in assessing the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with risk factors and associated comorbidities

Abstract

BACKGORUND. Sleep is a complex biological process and represents a reversible state of unconsciousness in which metabolism and motor activity are reduced. Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that disrupt a person’s normal sleep patterns. Sleep disorders are one of the most common clinical problems encountered. Inadequate or non-restorative sleep can interfere with normal physical, mental, social and emotional functioning. Sleep pathology is a frequent condition, but often underdiagnosed. MATERIAL AND METHODS. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome based on the response to the Berlin Questionnaire, which suggests the presence of an increased or decreased risk of sleep disorders. We conducted a study in patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary antecedents, which were associated with risk factors, such as: age, body mass index, neck circumference, abdominal circumference, history of snoring. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. The Berlin Questionnaire is a useful tool for detecting mild, moderate and severe apnea syndrome, being used for its early diagnosis, especially in cases where polysomnography is more difficult to perform, in order to select patients for the continuation of the examination protocols. This questionnaire is a reliable tool for the exclusion of obstructive sleep apnea and can be a particularly important tool in the allocation of diagnostic resources in patients suspected of having a breathing disorder during sleep.