The Stop-Bang Score and Prediction of Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Surgical Population

Background: The “STOP BANG” questionnaire has been developed for screening obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as defined by the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). It is a common tool used in general population to screen OSAS. We research a correlation between the score of “STOP BANG” questionnaire (0 to 8) and the severity of the OSAS classified into 4 categories ranging from none to severe. Methods: Demographic and anthropomorphic data, blood pressure and the presence of snoring, tiredness/sleepiness and observed apneas were collected from 150 patients who underwent ventilatory polygraphy. “STOP BANG” questionnaire score was defined for each patient with an ordinal rating of 0 to 8. Proportional odds logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict severity of sleep apnea based upon the AHI: none (AHI < 5/H), mild (AHI ≥ 5/H to < 15/H), moderate (≥ 15/H to < 30/H), and severe (AHI ≥ 30/H). Results: Linear model (R² = 0.373) was developed that predicted AHI severity. The linear model showed a progressive increase in the probability of severe (14% to 85%) and progressive decrease in the probability of none (57% to 43%). The probability to have mild, moderate and severe OSAS increases with high scores of “STOP BANG” questionnaire. Conclusions: The STOP BANG questionnaire may be useful to categorize OSAS severity in surgical population.