G501(P) Trends in sleep studies in the uk and republic of ireland

Aims To survey trends in the number of sleep studies (SS) performed at paediatric sleep centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) and to identify the reasons for performing the investigation. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was used with a newly developed questionnaire. Sleep centres were recruited via the British Paediatric Sleep Association (BPSA) and centre leads were sent a link to the online questionnaire. This was completed between May and June 2017. Results Of the 25 centres identified, 20 (80%) completed the online questionnaire. Centres represented England (n=16,80%), Scotland (n=2,10%) and ROI (n=2,10%). Fifteen (75%) centres provided data on the number of SS performed in their centre from 2007 to 2016 and 13 (65%) centres provided the reasons for referral. The linear mixed model test demonstrates that there was a significant main effect of time [F(9,49.7)=4.537, p≤0.001] and over this 10 year time span, there was a 6.5-fold rise in sleep studies. The main reason for referral was for the diagnosis of OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea) in otherwise healthy children (median=40%) with diagnosis of OSA in children with underlying medical problems (median=20%), assessment of children on mechanical ventilation (median=12%) and assessment of sleep-related hypoventilation in neuromuscular disorders (median=10%) contributing to paediatric sleep centre caseload. Conclusion The UK and ROI’s sleep study activity has been reported previously as significantly lower than in other countries (Flemons et al., 2004), but this is increasing as shown in this study. It is highly likely that the referral rates and numbers of studies performed in paediatric sleep centres will continue to increase. As expected the main reason for referral was for the diagnosis of OSA in otherwise healthy children and this referral group has contributed to the rise in the past 5 years. It is imperative to assess current diagnostic practices including triaging and ensuring guidelines/policies are relevant and updated. This will ensure adequate and timely diagnosis and follow-up and ensure resources are used efficiently.