Clinically Significant Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA)

Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is defined as one of the following:

• Clinically significant OSA in adults is:

• • An apneic-hypopneic index (AHI), respiratory distress index (RDI), or respiratory event index (REI) of greater or equal to (≥) 15, OR

  • An AHI, RDI, or REI greater or equal to (≥) 5 in an individual with 1 or more signs or symptoms associated with OSA (e.g., excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, or stroke).

• Clinically significant OSA in pediatric individuals is:

• • An AHI or RDI greater or equal to (≥) 5 OR

  • An AHI or RDI greater or equal to (≥) 1.5 in an individual with excessive daytime sleepiness, behavioral problems or hyperactivity

SOURCES

BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (7:2022). Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (2.01.18). Retrieved September 16, 2022 from https://www.evidencepositioningsystem.com/. (20 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)

BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (7:2022). Medical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (8.01.67). Retrieved September 16, 2022 from https://www.evidencepositioningsystem.com/. (48 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)

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