Consensus criteria for screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea: evidence of efficacy

Abstract

Objective: To validate the recently published consensus criteria for screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: A large, consecutive case series of commercial drivers was screened for OSA at a single occupational medicine clinic and those screening positive were referred for overnight polysomnography.

Results: One hundred ninety (13%) of 1443 individuals having commercial motor vehicle driver examinations screened positive for OSA. None of these would have been detected if the only screening were the questions on the current Commercial Driver Medical examination form. One hundred thirty-four underwent polysomnography, and of those 94.8% had OSA, which is the best estimate of the positive predictive value of these consensus criteria in a population of truck drivers.

Conclusion: The proposed screening criteria have a high positive predictive value in this population. This study lends support for the requirement to screen for OSA in commercial drivers.