{
  "abstract": "Introduction Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is common with significant symptom burden. Mild OSA is often assumed to have lower symptom burden and healthcare use than moderate and severe, potentially overlooking true patient experiences. Recent findings, including the MERGE trial, support a symptom-based approach over AHI-based treatment alone. This study compares symptom and treatment burden of mild versus moderate and severe OSA.Methods Retrospective analysis at a central London sleep centre of all newly diagnosed OSA patients over 5 months. Inclusion required confirmed OSA diagnosis and completion of a symptom questionnaire (table 1). Symptom profiles, treatment modality (CPAP or mandibular advancement appliance [MAA]) and healthcare utilisation were analysed across severity groups.Results 307 patients identified; mean age 51 (SD 14), median BMI 33.5 (IQR 10.4), 68% male (n=210). Common symptoms: daytime tiredness/fatigue/sleepiness (88%), loud snoring (83%), unrefreshed morning wakening (82%). Severity: 42% mild (n=130), 32% moderate (n=98), 26% severe (n=79). Symptom prevalence was similar across groups (p=0.155-0.810). Excessive daytime somnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Score ≥11) present in 52% mild, 39% moderate, 57% severe (p>0.05). Treatment varied: CPAP used in 88% severe, 69% moderate, 31% mild; MAA used in 29% mild, 6% moderate, 2% severe. Mild OSA patients had higher healthcare visits in year one (3.6 mean) than moderate (2.8) and severe (2.9), mainly due to MAA treatment.Conclusion Patients with mild OSA have symptom burden comparable to moderate/severe groups and higher healthcare visits. These findings challenge AHI-based severity definitions and highlight the impact of mild OSA.Abstract O18 Table 1Sleep symptom distribution across severity groups",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "GKT School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Maryana Jahangir"
    }
  ],
  "title": "O18 Mild but not minor: investigating the clinical burden of MAA use in mild obstructive sleep apnoea",
  "uid": "7343e466-4259-5ded-b163-b000933b26e6"
}