Publication
Title
European Respiratory Society statement on sleep apnoea, sleepiness and driving risk
Author
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent and is a recognised risk factor for motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure has been associated with a normalisation of this increased accident risk. Thus, many jurisdictions have introduced regulations restricting the ability of OSA patients from driving until effectively treated. However, uncertainty prevails regarding the relative importance of OSA severity determined by the apnoea-hypopnoea frequency per hour and the degree of sleepiness in determining accident risk. Furthermore, the identification of subjects at risk of OSA and/or accident risk remains elusive. The introduction of official European regulations regarding fitness to drive prompted the European Respiratory Society to establish a task force to address the topic of sleep apnoea, sleepiness and driving with a view to providing an overview to clinicians involved in treating patients with the disorder. The present report evaluates the epidemiology of MVA in patients with OSA; the mechanisms involved in this association; the role of screening questionnaires, driving simulators and other techniques to evaluate sleepiness and/or impaired vigilance; the impact of treatment on MVA risk in affected drivers; and highlights the evidence gaps regarding the identification of OSA patients at risk of MVA.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The European respiratory journal / European Respiratory Society [Lausanne] - Copenhagen, 1988, currens
Publication
Copenhagen : 2021
ISSN
0903-1936 [print]
1399-3003 [online]
DOI
10.1183/13993003.01272-2020
Volume/pages
57 :2 (2021) , 21 p.
Article Reference
2001272
ISI
000640891200005
Pubmed ID
33008939
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Mobile and technological solutions for occupational drivers (MILESTONE).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 31.05.2021
Last edited 09.10.2023
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