Aviation medical evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea in military flying personnel
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854.20200129.00013
- VernacularTitle:军事飞行人员阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的航空医学鉴定
- Author:
Li CUI
1
;
He GAO
1
;
Xianrong XU
1
;
Jianchang WANG
1
Author Information
1. 空军特色医学中心，北京 100142
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Sleep apnea, obstructive;
Aerospace medicine;
Eligibility determination;
Military flying personnel
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2020;31(2):119-124
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore feasible aeromedical evaluation methods and principles of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for Air Force by analyzing the diagnosis, treatment and assessment of cases of the military flying personnel at home and abroad.Literature resource and selection:Based on the journal papers and scientific reports published at home and abroad, we analyzed the evaluation methods and management of sleep disorders in United States Air Force (USAF) and the current situation of Chinese military flying personnel.Literature quotation:Forty-four related literatures, including 37 published articles, 2 medical standards, 3 monographs, 1 scientific report, 1 electric announcement, were cited.Literature synthesis:OSA related flight safety risk that induced by daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment and emotional abnormalities is the importance of Aviation medicine concern. USAF’s diagnosis of OSA follows the criteria recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is carried out by accredited professional sleep lab. Its treatment is conducted in conjunction with military deployment. The well-treated aircrew could be waivered but the special assessment and close follow-up of the treatment compliance are required. There are corresponding requirements in the medical selection of high-performance fighter pilots and armed helicopter pilots in China, but no provisions in physical standards for flying personnel. Inconsistencies exist among clinical diagnosis, treatment and medical assessment.Conclusions:It is necessary to formulate relevant physical examination standards of OSA for military flying personnel, improve the awareness of support departments at all levels, supplement OSA screening in regular physical examination, and assign accredited sleep health centers to undertake the diagnosis, treatment and medical assessment of OSA. Waiver could be considered to the flying personnel with good treatment compliance.
