๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿ’ป Research - September 26, 2025

Application of artificial intelligence for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea based on clinical and demographic data: a systematic review.

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โšก Quick Summary

This systematic review evaluated the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using clinical and demographic data. The findings indicate that AI models can significantly enhance detection capabilities, with AUC values ranging from 0.62 to 0.93, although methodological limitations remain a challenge.

๐Ÿ” Key Details

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Dataset: 447 records reviewed, 26 studies met inclusion criteria
  • ๐Ÿงฉ Features used: Age, BMI, neck circumference, comorbidities
  • โš™๏ธ Technology: Decision trees, support vector machines, neural networks
  • ๐Ÿ† Performance: AUC values mostly exceeding 0.80

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ AI models show promise in improving OSA detection.
  • ๐Ÿ” Methodological quality varied significantly across studies.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ AUC values ranged from 0.62 to 0.93, with most studies achieving >0.80.
  • ๐Ÿ“… Research output increased notably from 2021 to 2024.
  • โš ๏ธ Limitations include methodological heterogeneity and lack of external validation.
  • ๐ŸŒ Future studies should focus on diverse populations and standardized reporting.

๐Ÿ“š Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as polysomnography, can be resource-intensive and inconvenient. The integration of artificial intelligence into the diagnostic process offers a promising alternative, potentially allowing for more accessible and efficient detection based on readily available clinical and demographic data.

๐Ÿ—’๏ธ Study

This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and aimed to assess the effectiveness of AI models in detecting or stratifying OSA. The review included studies published between 2014 and 2024 that utilized clinical and demographic data, validated against polysomnography or cardiorespiratory polygraphy, and reported performance metrics such as the area under the curve (AUC).

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results

Out of 447 records screened, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common algorithms employed were decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks. The AUC values reported in these studies ranged from 0.62 to 0.93, with a majority exceeding 0.80. However, the review highlighted issues such as methodological heterogeneity and the exclusion of incomplete cases, which limited the comparability of results.

๐ŸŒ Impact and Implications

The findings from this review suggest that AI has the potential to significantly enhance the detection of OSA, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery. However, the methodological limitations identified underscore the need for further research that prioritizes external validation and diverse populations. By addressing these gaps, the clinical translation of AI in OSA detection could become a reality, ultimately benefiting a broader range of patients.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the potential of AI models in improving the detection of obstructive sleep apnea. While the results are promising, the identified methodological limitations must be addressed in future research. By focusing on external validation and adherence to standardized reporting frameworks, we can pave the way for the successful integration of AI technologies into clinical practice for OSA detection.

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Application of artificial intelligence for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea based on clinical and demographic data: a systematic review.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise in enhancing the detection and stratification of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using clinical and demographic data. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of AI models, methodological quality, and future research needs.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed (2014-2024) identified studies applying AI to detect or stratify OSA using clinical/demographic data, validated against polysomnography or cardiorespiratory polygraphy, and reporting performance metrics such as the area under the curve (AUC). Studies primarily based on wearable devices were excluded. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the PROBAST tool.
RESULTS: Of 447 records, 26โ€‰met inclusion criteria. Common algorithms included decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks, frequently using variables such as age, BMI, neck circumference, and comorbidities. AUC values ranged from 0.62 to 0.93, with most exceeding 0.80. Research output increased substantially between 2021 and 2024. Methodological heterogeneity and limited external validation hindered comparability. Exclusion of incomplete cases was a recurrent issue.
CONCLUSIONS: AI models show potential for improving OSA detection, but methodological limitations restrict generalizability. Future studies should prioritize external validation, diverse populations, and adherence to standardized reporting frameworks to enable clinical translation.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251025868 identifier is CRD420251025868.

Author: [‘Casal-Guisande M’, ‘Mosteiro-Aรฑรณn M’, ‘Torres-Duran M’, ‘Comesaรฑa-Campos A’, ‘Fernรกndez-Villar A’]

Journal: Expert Rev Respir Med

Citation: Casal-Guisande M, et al. Application of artificial intelligence for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea based on clinical and demographic data: a systematic review. Application of artificial intelligence for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea based on clinical and demographic data: a systematic review. 2025; (unknown volume):(unknown pages). doi: 10.1080/17476348.2025.2567046

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