Atrial fibrillation-specific refinement of the STOP-Bang sleep apnoea screening questionnaire: Insights from the Virtual-SAFARI study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Purpose Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in up to 50% patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Currently, it remains unclear whether all AF should be systematically screened for SDB, or pre-selection requiring screening can improved. We aimed 1) assess the accuracy STOP-Bang questionnaire as a tool detecting SDB scheduled ablation; and 2) develop refined, AF-specific version improve pre-selection. Methods Consecutive ablation without previous history and/or were included. Patients digitally referred previously described Virtual-SAFARI management pathway1 including home sleep test using polygraphy. An apnoea-hypopnoea-index (AHI) ≥15 was interpreted moderate-to-severe SDB. The (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apneas, blood Pressure, BMI ≥35 kg/m², Age, Neck circumference, Gender) evaluated. Logistic regression used characteristics within outside associated with These refine specifically patients. Results Of 206 included patients, 51% diagnosed performed poorly an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.647 (0.573-0.721). refinement STOP-BANG resulted BOSS-GAP score. Therein, tiredness neck circumference removed, while body mass index cut-off point ≥27 kg/m² stroke transient ischaemic attack added. better AUROC 0.738 (0.672-0.805) overall population. Conclusion showed limited value when screening. demonstrated slightly improved, but still identifying Whether questionnaires bring advantage compared structural AF, requires further study.