Comparative study between clinical history and polysomnogram in the obstructive sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome

Recognizing sleep-disordered breathing is on the rise every year. Manifestations, such as snoring, that were earlier considered mere inconvenients are now acquiring greater importance concerning life quality and social impact. Aim of the study: To compare the clinical history to polysomnogram (PSG) results in the Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 125 patients were analyzed, in a retrospective study. Specific questionnaires, avaliations of Body Mass Index and Epworth Scale were carried out. RESULTS: Among the patients, 75 were males and 50 were females. The main symptom was snoring. 46% had normal PSG, 30% had light OSAHS, 15% moderate and 9% severe OSAHS and it was not observed a correlation between clinical data and PSG results. Concerning clinical symptoms, only insomnia has shown relevance when univariably analyzed in normal and light OSAHS patients (p<0,05) compared to patients with moderate and severe OSAHS, losing its importance when analyzed together with other factors. CONCLUSION: the clinical history, per se, is not sufficient to define OSAHS' diagnosis or it's severity.