Intra-rater and Inter-rater consistency of drug induced sleep endoscopy

Objective: Drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a valuable  tool which is used in the diagnosis of obstructive  sleep apnea (OUA). The aim of this study is to evaluate  inter-rater and intra-rater consistency of DISE. Methods: 36 OSA patients with Apnea-hypopne index>5  included in this study. DISE was performed and recorded  digitally for all patients, by the first author (OA1). VOTE  scores were noted to procedure report in patients’ charts.  Video records of DISE were blindly evaluated six months  after the last procedure, by observer 1 for the second  time (OA2) and by observer 2 (OB) for the first time. DISE  was evaluated by using VOTE classification. OA1 and OA2  scores were compared to determine intra-rater reliability  and OA2 and OB scores were compared to determine inter- rater reliability. Results: Inter-rater consistency of DISE was poor to good.  Highest consistency rate was found in velum at anteroposterior  configuration, while the lowest was found in  the same level at lateral configuration. Intra-rater consistency  of DISE was moderate to excellent. Highest consistency  rate was found in epiglottis at lateral configuration,  while the lowest was found in oropharynx level. Conclusion: OSA is condition with possible serious complications.  DISE is a tool that could change the course of  treatment in OSA. The validity of DISE is quite acceptable  although a golden standard classification tool could enable  us to “speak the exact same language” and will surely  increase the diagnostic success of DISE.