Validation of the Dutch sleep-related breathing disorder scale from the pediatric sleep questionnaire: a diagnostic accuracy study using polysomnography

Becking, B.E.; Jonkman, R.E.G.; Stumpel, D.J.P.M.; Merkesteyn, J.P.R. van; Marle, M.E.V. (2025)

Article / Letter to editor

PurposePediatric sleep-disordered breathing (PSDB) is linked to various coexisting problems, and polysomnography (PSG) is the reference standard for diagnosis. However, limited access in primary care to PSG may hinder diagnosis. This study investigates the validity of the Dutch version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD) scale as a screening tool for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (PSDB), comparing its performance to PSG.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 75 children underwent PSG while their parents or caregivers completed the SRBD scale. SRBD scores of 34 children with PSG-confirmed PSDB were compared to those of 110 children from oral health care centers, representing a general population. Construct validity was assessed by comparing SRBD scores between the PSDB group and the control group. Criterion validity was determined by sensitivity, specificity, and the Area Under the Curve of a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) for the SRBD scales and subscales in relation to PSG-confirmed snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Logistic regression was used to estimate SRBD's ability among other co-variables to identify PSDB.ResultsSRBD scale scores significantly differentiated PSDB from the control group. The sensitivity and specificity for OSA were 0.92 and 0.74, respectively. For PSDB (snoring and/or OSA), sensitivity and specificity were each 0.85. The AUC for the total SRBD scale exceeded 0.87 for all PSG outcomes, showing an adequate screening performance.ConclusionThe Dutch SRBD scale is useful in primary care as a valid first step in screening PSDB.

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Pediatric sleep questionnaire
• Validity
• Oral health care
• Primary care

• All authors: Becking, B.E.; Jonkman, R.E.G.; Stumpel, D.J.P.M.; Merkesteyn, J.P.R. van; Marle, M.E.V.
• Date: 2025-11-28
• Journal: Sleep and Breathing
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 6
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s11325-025-03539-1