[Apnea diagnosis in general practice. Indications, possibilities and limits].

In view of the limited capacity of hospital sleep labs, and the high prevalence of the sleep apnea syndrome, there is a requirement for a preliminary ambulatory diagnostic work-up. Nocturnal polygraphy has proved to be a useful screening method. The continuous measurement of respiratory flow, oxygen saturation, heart rate and body position enables the severity and frequency of respiratory events to be monitored. With consideration being given to the patient's symptoms, examination findings, cardiovascular disease and the risks resulting from disturbed vigilance, a decision can be made on the need for an inpatient diagnostic work-up, and its urgency. Ambulatory apnea screening is not suitable for the differential diagnosis of nocturnal respiratory disorders, since it does not permit the correlation of symptoms to sleep stages and respiratory movements.