PHYSICAL FINDINGS AS A CLINICAL PREDICTOR OF SDB

Based on the three physical findings described (FPP, tonsil size, and BMI), an SDB score can be calculated to identify patients likely to have SDB. The score is calculated by adding the numerical values of each physical finding:

SDB score ¼ FPPð04Þ þ tonsil sizeð04Þ þ BMI valueð0IVÞ A positive SDB score is designated as the sum of FPPþtonsil sizeþBMI > 8. A

positive SDB score has a positive predictive value of moderate SDB [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 20] of 90%. A positive SDB score was 74% effective in predicting severe SDB (AHI 45) (see Table).