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Objetivo La demanda de consultas y estudios diagnosticos del sindrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueno (SAHS) se ha incrementado, lo que ha llevado a importantes demoras. Por tanto, es precisa una evaluacion actualizada de la situacion del diagnostico que sirva como herramienta de gestion a especialistas y las administraciones sanitarias que tienen la responsabilidad de solventar el problema. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido realizar un analisis descriptivo de la situacion del diagnostico del SAHS en los hospitales espanoles. Metodos Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se establecio contacto con los centros publicos y privados incluidos en el catalogo de instituciones sanitarias del Ministerio de Sanidad de 2005. Se incluyeron aquellos que evaluaban habitualmente a pacientes con SAHS. El responsable de cada centro relleno un cuestionario sobre disponibilidad de recursos y demoras para el diagnostico. Resultados De los 741 centros con los que se establecio contacto, 217 evaluaban habitualmente a pacientes con SAHS. El 88% disponia de poligrafia respiratoria (PR) (n = 168) o polisomnografia (PSG) (n = 97). La demora media en consulta fue de 61 dias, y la demora media para realizar PR, de 224 dias. La media de equipos de PR fue de 0,99/100.000 habitantes, cuando lo recomendable es 3/100.000. La demora media para PSG fue de 166 dias. La media de camas de PSG fue de 0,49/100.000 habitantes y lo recomendable es 1/100.000. Conclusiones Se observa una notable deficiencia de recursos que lleva a inaceptables listas de espera. Aunque la situacion del diagnostico de SAHS ha cambiado favorablemente con respecto a estudios previos, sigue siendo mejorable y es imprescindible que las autoridades sanitarias dediquen mas recursos a este problema de salud publica.

Objective The demand for consultations and diagnostic studies for sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) has increased, and this has led to considerable delays. We therefore need an updated evaluation of the diagnostic situation to serve as a management tool for specialists and health care administrations responsible for solving the problem. The objective of the present study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the situation regarding the diagnosis of SAHS in Spanish hospitals. Methods We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Public and private hospitals listed in the Ministry of Health's 2005 catalog of health care institutions were contacted, and those that routinely evaluate patients for SAHS were included in the study. The person in charge of each hospital filled in a questionnaire concerning the availability of resources and waiting periods for diagnosis. Results Of the 741 hospitals we contacted, 217 routinely evaluated patients for SAHS. In 88% of these, respiratory polygraphy (RP) (n=168) or polysomnography (PSG) (n=97) was available. The mean waiting period was 61 days for consultation and 224 days for RP. The mean number of RP devices was 0.99 per 100 000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 3 per 100 000 inhabitants. The mean waiting period for PSG was 166 days. The mean number of PSG beds was 0.49 per 100 000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 1 per 100 000. Conclusions We observed a marked inadequacy of resources that has led to unacceptable waiting periods. While there has been a favorable change in the situation regarding SAHS diagnosis compared to previous studies, there is still room for improvement and it is urgent that health care authorities allocate more resources to this public health problem.