Evaluation of the Brussells Questionnaire as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been recently shown to be associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents. Expensive and not widely available polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing OSAS. The questionnaire developed by the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Working Group in 2013 in Brussells (termed the Brussels Questionnaire) was created as a screening strategy for those who apply for a driver’s license. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Brussels Questionnaire for detecting OSAS. Material and Methods. 285 patients who reported to the Sleep Disorders Centre of the Neurology Department of the Hungarian Defence Forces Military Hospital for the portable monitoring (PM) completed the Brussels Questionnaire. A score of 10 or higher out of 24 indicated a high risk of OSAS. The results of the questionnaire were then compared with the results of the PM as well as of the polysomnography (PSG) when available. Results. After the comparison of the results obtained with PM and the Brussels Questionnaire, the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were calculated and amounted 0.64 and 0.49, respectively. After the comparison of the results obtained with PSG and the Brussels Questionnaire, the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were calculated and amounted 0.83 and 0.55, respectively. The score of 10 points was found to be the optimal cut-off value. Conclusions. The Bruxelles Questionnaire is a simple screening tool for OSAS in candidates for driver’s license, with a sensitivity of 0.64 and a specificity of 0.49. Its specificity and sensitivity are similar to those of other frequently used questionnaires.