Hippokratia 2009, 13(3):187-191
E. Koutlas, L. Nikolaidou-Tokalaki, G. Zacharakis
Abstract
Guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders in adults and children were introduced by the Hellenic Society of Sleep Disorders Working Group in an attempt to fill a major gap in current medical practice in Greece. They consist of the theoretical ground followed by practice recommendations regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are currently accepted for the individual management of adults and children.The guidelines are divided into three parts. The first part entitled ?Definition and classification of sleep-related breathing disorders in adults. Different types and indications for sleep studies? refer to different syndromes related to breathing disorders during sleep such as: Central Apnea Syndromes, Cheyne-Stokes Respiration, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, and Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome. In addition, major types of sleep studies such as: Full polysomnography, limited sleep study, attended sleep study, unattended sleep study, split-night study were mentioned, along with their indications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.The second part entitled ?Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in adults? refers to different types of treatment for OSAS in adults such as Positive Airway Pressure application, oral appliances and surgical treatment. Different types of Positive Airway Pressure devices were presented, along with benefits related to their application. Finally, the issue of compliance to CPAP use is being addressed in this chapter.The third part entitled ?OSAS in children: Diagnosis and treatment? refers to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in children. Clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment are also mentioned.The events leading to the formation of these guidelines are the following: First, a meeting in Athens (February 2008), where topics and committees were selected; later on a consult in Patras (June 2008), where texts were distributed among members and the final acceptance took place in Alexandroupolis (November 2008). The whole process and the final presentation were under supervision and acceptance of the Executive Committee of HSSD.