How many obstructive apneas were recorded?

How many obstructive apneas were recorded?

• A. 14
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 16

Answer: (A)

Obstructive apnea is defined by a clear drop in airflow lasting at least 10 seconds, with continued respiratory effort. To count how many have occurred, review both the airflow signal (showing the drop in flow) and the effort signals (chest and abdomen moving). Each time airflow is essentially abolished for 10 seconds or more while there is ongoing thoracoabdominal effort, that event is counted as one obstructive apnea. Do not count events with no effort (central) or those that begin as central and then become obstructive (mixed). In the recording described, there are 14 such episodes, so the obstructive apnea count is 14. Remember that hypopneas and RERAs are counted separately and are not included in this total.

Obstructive apnea is defined by a clear drop in airflow lasting at least 10 seconds, with continued respiratory effort. To count how many have occurred, review both the airflow signal (showing the drop in flow) and the effort signals (chest and abdomen moving). Each time airflow is essentially abolished for 10 seconds or more while there is ongoing thoracoabdominal effort, that event is counted as one obstructive apnea. Do not count events with no effort (central) or those that begin as central and then become obstructive (mixed). In the recording described, there are 14 such episodes, so the obstructive apnea count is 14. Remember that hypopneas and RERAs are counted separately and are not included in this total.