Selection of Screening Tool for Sleep-Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients in the Perianesthesia Setting.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to select an appropriate tool to predict risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among pediatric patients in the preoperative setting.

DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review and a survey of nursing staff to compare two tools that were determined to be valid in assessing risk of OSA and postanesthesia complications in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years was conducted. About 300 pediatric patients presenting for elective surgery were screened for OSA using STBUR (Snoring, Trouble Breathing during sleep, struggling to Breathe during Sleep, and waking UnRefreshed) and ST(1)OP-BANG (Snoring, Tonsillar hypertrophy, sleep Obstruction, BMI, Age, Neuromuscular disorders, and Genetic/congenital deformities) concurrently. Six preoperative nurses were then surveyed to compare ease of use and time to complete the screening tools.

FINDINGS: The STBUR tool was found to predict complications in 37.5% patients versus 22.7% patients with the pediatric ST(1)OP-BANG. Nursing staff found that although both tools were quick and easy to use, the STBUR tool was easier for parents to answer.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of a screening tool to help predict risk of OSA and postanesthetic complications also helps to dictate anesthesia technique, nursing staffing requirements, and plans of care for postoperative management of pediatric patients.