Recognition of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy survey

• Published in: International journal of obstetric anesthesia 2016-05, Vol.26, p.85-87
• Main Authors: Dominguez, J.E, Lockhart, E, Miskovic, A, Bullough, A.S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia & Perioperative Care; Female; Humans; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - diagnosis; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0959-289X; 1532-3374
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2016.01.003

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes and obesity. These disorders are major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Methods A 12-question, web-based survey was distributed to members of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology via e-mail. Responses were collected and analyzed by Survey Monkey®. Results The survey was opened by 536/1038 recipients. The overall response rate was 285/1038 (27.5%). Respondents were mostly attending/consultant (91.2%) anesthesiologists (97.9%) from the United States (83.2%) and Canada (10.5%). Over 91% of respondents believe that OSA in pregnancy is clinically relevant and 86.8% believe that management and treatment of this condition would improve maternal and/or neonatal outcomes. However, 42.8% of respondents do not screen for OSA and 82.7% of departments do not have OSA management guidelines for pregnant women. Respondent knowledge of risk factors associated with OSA in pregnancy equated to those in the non-pregnant population. Conclusion Many clinicians agree that OSA in pregnancy is a clinically relevant issue and treatment may improve outcomes. However, routine screening for OSA and departmental guidelines for the management of pregnant women with OSA are lacking. Obstetric anesthesiologists do not readily identify risk factors specific to OSA in pregnancy.