Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in chronic Tetraplegia (SOSAT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective validation of a simplified Screening model of questionnaire and oximetry for detecting moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in chronic Tetraplegia.
IRAS ID
183849
Contact name
Susan Cross
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Buckinghamshire NHT trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
Approximately 50% of people with tetraplegia have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which in most cases is a direct consequence of their injury. OSA has been linked to poor quality of life and problems with memory, learning and concentration in people with tetraplegia. Current guidelines recommend that all people with tetraplegia and symptoms of daytime sleepiness undergo a full sleep study (polysomnography) to diagnose OSA or not. However, very few spinal units have access to this expensive and highly specialised equipment, a sleep scientist to perform the test and a sleep physician to understand and communicate the results. It is therefore likely that most people with tetraplegia and OSA are undiagnosed and untreated.
This project aims to test whether a questionnaire followed by overnight oximetry (a finger probe that measures the oxygen level of the blood) can accurately detect moderate to severe OSA in people with tetraplegia. If successful, this simple screening test could replace the need for a full sleep study. Improving the diagnosis of this condition will enable many people with tetraplegia and OSA to access treatment for their condition with likely improvement in their quality of life.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0336
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion