[Management of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in General Practice: a new model of risk prevention]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome is a condition characterized by paused breathing during sleep due to complete or partial obstruction of the upper airways. It is still underdiagnosed and underestimated, despite its respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive complications. Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis. The treatment protocol, that has to be agreed with the patient, is behavioral, ventilator, and sometimes surgical. The role of general practitioners is essential for early identification of patients with high probability of OSAS. Physicians are supported by specific instruments of general practice, such as continuity of care, computerized medical records for oriented problems, medical history, and diagnostic-therapeutic methodology for an exclusive management model. Among their duties, there is also the management of care priorities for patients’ comorbidities.