USPSTF finds evidence is insufficient to assess sleep apnea screening in adults

The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in asymptomatic adults, according to a new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement, which is published in the current issue of JAMA.

In a statement based on comments submitted to the USPSTF in June, the AASM emphasized the importance of screening patients who have a high risk for OSA, even if they don’t have any sleep-related symptoms. The necessity of sleep apnea screening was described further in a JAMA editorial by AASM member Dr. Susan Redline, and in comments to MedPage Today by AASM Immediate Past President Dr. Nathaniel Watson.