Preliminary Estimates of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Video Clips for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children.

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is challenging, with long wait times for polysomnography (PSG). This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of home-recorded video clips for OSA compared to PSG.

METHODS

Children (2-18 years) referred for PSG for suspected OSA were enrolled. Parents recorded video clips of their child sleeping and completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Blinded clinicians scored videos using the Monash Obstructive Sleep Apnea score (MS). Participants underwent PSG, and outcomes included obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) and oximetry metrics (i.e., McGill Oximetry Score [MOS]; 3% Oxygen Desaturation Index [ODI3]). Diagnostic characteristics of MS, PSQ, MOS, and ODI3 were compared for detection of any (OAHI ≥ 1.5 events/h) and moderate-severe OSA (OAHI ≥ 5 events/h).

RESULTS

Forty-one children (age 7.0 years, 49% female) participated. Median OAHI was 0.6 events/h (IQR 0.3, 3.1); 16 (39%) had OAHI ≥ 1.5 events/h, 5 (12%) had OAHI ≥ 5 events/h. PSQ identified 36 (88%) participants with a score ≥ 0.33. One child had MOS ≥ 2; ODI3 was ≥ 4.3 in 8 (20%) and > 7 in 6 (15%). Mean MS was 3.6 (SD 2.1). MS had 81.2% sensitivity and 52.0% specificity for any OSA and 100% sensitivity and 44.4% specificity for moderate-severe OSA. A combination of MS and ODI3 improved diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 98.3.

CONCLUSION

MS demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for the detection of moderate-severe OSA. Video scores outperformed PSQ but were less accurate than oximetry. Combining MS and ODI3 yielded the strongest diagnostic characteristics. Video scores may aid in pediatric OSA screening.