Severity of obstructive apnoea in children with Down syndrome who snore

Diagnostic overnight polysomnograms of 33 children with Down syndrome who snored were reviewed. Mean age was 4.9 years, none had had adenotonsillectomy, 91% were non-obese (Down syndrome specific body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) <+2.0) and yet 97% demonstrated obstructive sleep apnoea, with an average apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) of 12.9 episodes per hour (normal <1) and an average oxygen desaturation of 4%. A higher AHI was associated with lower minimum Spo2, higher Tcco2 and higher number of arousals from sleep per hour (p<0.001). Polysomnography should be a routine investigation for children with Down syndrome who snore regardless of body habitus.     

Clinical versus polysomnographic profiles in children with obstructive sleep apnoea

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) profiles of neurologically normal and abnormal children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and explore the relationship between these profiles. METHODOLOGY: We enrolled 56 children with persistent snoring and OSA for the study, 16 of whom were neurologically abnormal. All children were examined clinically and attended an overnight PSG study. Total clinical scores, PSG scores, and mild/moderate or severe ratings were derived for each child. RESULTS: Comparison of individual PSG parameters with neurological status demonstrated that the abnormal children had significantly increased obstructive apnoea indices, increased desaturation events and lower mean arousal indices compared to their neurologically normal OSA peers. For the neurologically abnormal children, there was a significant correlation between severity ratings of disease according to clinical and PSG profiles (r = 0.56, P = 0.03, sensitivity 82%) using the clinical summary as the gold standard, although the association was less marked in the neurologically normal children (r = -0.08, P = NS, sensitivity 69%). CONCLUSION: Neurologically abnormal children are likely to have more severe abnormalities in selected polysomnographic indices and overall scores. However, the clinical assessment is only likely to reflect this at the severe end of the spectrum. These relationships are not seen in the neurologically normal child, where little or no reliance can be placed upon predicting the severity of the polysomnographic findings from the clinical data. Decisions regarding the severity of disease and treatment should be based on the combined findings of the clinical and PSG data rather than overall clinical and polysomnographic scores or selected clinical and polysomnographic parameters.     

Inflammatory measures in children with obstructive sleep apnoea

AIM: To evaluate a range of inflammatory measures in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS: In total, 44 children with polysomnographically defined OSA (30 boys; mean age: 7.3 +/- 3.7 years) and 69 control subjects (44 boys; mean age: 7.6 +/- 4 years) were recruited. Controls were screened for symptoms of OSA by questionnaire at the time of elective surgery that was unrelated to the upper airway. Blood samples were analysed for C-reactive protein, and cytokines IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. RESULTS: The majority of the children had mild OSA (32/44). Children with OSA (respiratory disturbance index 5.3 +/- 6.5 events/h) had significantly higher IFN-gamma and IL-8 levels than controls (P < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively), although correction for age, sex and body mass index reduced these differences (IFN-gammaP = 0.002, and IL-8 P = 0.051). There were no significant correlations between inflammatory measures and body mass index, respiratory disturbance index, or other sleep, desaturation, or arousal parameters including respiratory or spontaneous arousal indices, desaturation index or severity, sleep efficiency, or apnoea/hypopnoea duration in the OSA group. CONCLUSION: Children with OSA, even of mild severity, have significantly elevated IFN-gamma levels and a trend towards elevated IL-8 levels compared with asymptomatic controls, consistent with a pro-inflammatory effect of OSA. These changes seen in mild OSA may precede changes in other pro-inflammatory cytokines found in studies of adults with more severe and long-standing disease, implying a potential benefit from early disease identification and intervention.     

Aetiological factors and development in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether maternal pregnancy complications, adverse birth events, respiratory illnesses, or developmental difficulty were increased in neurologically normal children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and whether severity of OSA adversely affects the child's development and temperament. METHODOLOGY: Maternal report of perinatal events, respiratory illness and developmental difficulty in 37 children with OSA was contrasted with a comparison group (n = 67). Children with OSA were assessed developmentally (Griffiths Scales), had a parental rating of temperament (Australian Temperament Scale) and attended an overnight polysomnographic sleep study. RESULTS: Children with OSA had an increased prevalence of adverse maternal pregnancy and perinatal events, respiratory disease and developmental concerns. Limited associations were found between the severity of OSA and development or temperament difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a relationship between OSA, though not its severity, and pre/perinatal adversity and child development. Polysomnographic and detailed developmental assessment of community-based samples of children with OSA and control children are necessary to confirm these findings.     

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea in children

The prevalence and severity of obesity in children and adolescent is dramatically increasing worldwide with a corresponding increase in the prevalence of obesity-associated morbidities particularly those involving OSAS and metabolic and cardiovascular sequelae. Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome are important and serious consequences of obesity, and may in fact mediate components of the association between obesity and metabolic and cardiovascular morbidities, most likely via potentiation of inflammatory cascades. It is anticipated that the increased prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents in our society will be accompanied by a steady increase in the incidence of OSAS. In this review, we will examine our current understanding of sleep-disordered breathing and associated morbidities in obese children, and summarize the range of therapeutic modalities currently available for this high-risk population.     

First night effect for polysomnographic data in children and adolescents with suspected sleep disordered breathing

Aims

To assess the presence of a first night effect (FNE) in children and adolescents and to examine if a single night polysomnography (PSG) is sufficient for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods

Prospective case study of 70 patients (group 1: 2–6 years, n = 22; group 2: 7–12 years, n = 32; group 3: 13–17 years, n = 16) referred for OSAS. Diagnostic criteria for OSAS: one or more of the following: (1) obstructive apnoea index (OAI) ⩾1; (2) obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (oAHI) ⩾2; (3) SaO₂ ⩽89% in association with obstruction.

Results

In all age groups, but mainly in the oldest children, REMS increased during the second night, mainly at the expense of stage 2 sleep. The first night PSG correctly identified OSAS in 86%, 91%, and 100% of the children for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. This represents 9% false negatives for OSAS when only the first night PSG was used. All cases missed had mild OSAS, except for one with oAHI >5 on night 2. There were also seven patients with OSAS on night 1 but with a normal PSG on night 2: all had oAHI <5.

Conclusion

There is a FNE in children and adolescents. A single night PSG is sufficient for diagnosing OSAS, but in cases with a suggestive history and examination and with a negative first night, a second night study might be advisable.     

Investigation of sleep disorders

Polysomnography or sleep study is the main investigation for paediatric sleep disorders. It involves the continuous and simultaneous recording of multiple physiological parameters evaluating sleep and respiration. It is most commonly used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea and to monitor nocturnal non-invasive ventilation requirements of children. Its role in other sleep related breathing disorders, narcolepsy and parasomnias is discussed.     

Hurler's syndrome with cor pulmonale secondary to obstructive sleep apnoea treated by continuous positive airway pressure

A 6-year-old boy with Hurler's syndrome presented with right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension secondary to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Both his sleep apnoea and cor pulmonale were effectively controlled with continuous positive airway pressure therapy.     

Cardiovascular issues in obstructive sleep apnoea in children: A brief review

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common disease with a prevalence that ranges from 1% to 6% in children. It is characterized by intermittent partial or complete occlusion of the upper airway during sleep, leading to recurrent arousals and disturbed sleep architecture, to neurocognitive disorders and alterations in homeostatic gas exchange. Cardiovascular complications may develop in children with OSA through various mechanisms including activation and dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, induction of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant status and increased risk of systemic hypertension. As the deleterious effects of OSA on the cardio-vascular system may start early in life, in this brief review we focused our attention both on early and late cardiological changes induced by apnoeic events in the paediatric population, by reviewing recent findings in the literature.     

儿童阻塞性睡眠呼吸障碍低通气综合征临床特点分析

目的分析儿童阻塞性睡眠呼吸障碍低通气综合征(OSAHS)的临床及多导睡眠监测(PSG)特点。方法选取2016年12月-2019年4月以打鼾或/伴张口呼吸症状就诊的患儿为研究对象,收集临床及PSG监测资料。根据PSG结果分为OSAHS组、单纯打鼾(PS)组及鼾症伴氧减组,分析各组患儿的临床资料及PSG结果。结果共入组408例患儿,中位年龄5岁(4～7岁),男260例、女148例。OSAHS患儿99例,PS患儿201例,鼾症伴氧减患儿42例。OSAHS组扁桃体肿大、腺样体肥大比例高于PS组,鼻炎/鼻窦炎比例低于PS组,OSAHS组的夜间打鼾、呼吸费力、呼吸暂停、夜尿比例均高于PS组,OSAHS组的日间思睡比例高于PS组和鼾症伴氧减组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。OSAHS组的PSG监测NREM1期睡眠时间、鼾声指数均高于PS组,NREM3期比例低于PS组。OSAHS组及鼾症伴氧减组的最低血氧饱和度(LSaO_2)均低于PS组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。OSAHS组的呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)最高,呼吸暂停最长时间最长,其次为鼾症伴氧减组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。多元logistic回归模型分析显示,腺样体肥大、肥胖、存在过敏性鼻炎/鼻窦炎是儿童OSAHS发生的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论 OSAHS患儿存在睡眠结构紊乱,主要为NREM1期睡眠时间延长,NREM3期时间缩短。肥胖、腺样体肥大、鼻炎或鼻窦炎是OSAHS发生的危险因素。     

儿童阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征与血压相关性研究

目的 探讨儿童阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)与血压的相关性。方法 纳入2012年7月至2013年7月以睡眠打鼾为主诉于上海儿童医学中心睡眠障碍诊治中心就诊的3~18岁儿童青少年,行整夜多导睡眠图(PSG)监测并测量睡前收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP)。根据PSG监测结果分为非OSAHS组和OSAHS组,OSAHS组根据呼吸暂停低通气指数和最低血氧饱和度分为OSAHS轻、中和重度亚组。依据2010年中国儿童青少年血压参照标准诊断高血压。计算收缩压指数(SBPI)和舒张压指数(DBPI)。分析不同程度的OSAHS与血压的相关性。 结果 385例研究对象进入分析,平均年龄(5.5±2.3)岁,男262例,女123例。SBP (100.6 ±10.4) mmHg,DBP (63.2±8.5) mmHg,符合高血压诊断122例(31.7%),其中严重高血压42例(10.9%)。非OSAHS组261例(67.8%);OSAHS组124例,其中轻、中和重度亚组分别有54、43和27例。BMI、BMI-Z评分、颈围、超重及肥胖患病率指标OSAHS组显著高于非OSAHS组。①OSAHS组SBP显著高于非OSAHS组,但调整年龄、性别和BMI-Z评分后SBP的组间差异无统计学意义。OSAHS轻、中和重度亚组SBP和DBP差异有统计学意义 (SBP: F=3.46,P=0.034;DBP: F=4.27,P=0.016),在调整了年龄、性别和BMI-Z评分后SBP和DBP的组间差异仍有统计学意义(P<0.05)。②非OSAHS组和OSAHS组SBPI和DBPI差异无统计学意义;OSAHS轻、中和重度亚组SBPI和DBPI差异有统计学意义(SBPI:F=2.54,P=0.046; DBPI: F=3.25,P=0.042)。③OSAHS轻、中和重度亚组高血压检出率差异有统计学意义,调整了年龄、性别以及BMI-Z评分后,OSAHS重度亚组严重高血压的风险显著高于轻度亚组,OR=5.79 (95%CI: 1.45~23.11)。 结论 鼾症患儿高血压检出率显著高于正常人群,其中重度OSAHS患儿高血压及严重高血压的发生风险最高,提示应密切监测睡眠相关呼吸障碍患儿的血压。     

Obstructive sleep apnoea presenting as failure to thrive in infancy

Objectives: To study the postoperative outcome of infants under the age of 18 months in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed, with particular emphasis on the pre- and postoperative weight gain and linear growth velocities, and the resolution of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Methodology A retrospective study of all infants in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed during the 5 year period to January 1990. Details of pre- and postoperative outcome variables were obtained by review of hospital and office records and by telephone calls to the parents. Results Complete data were available for 29 (76%) of the 38 infants in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed. The data from these infants are reported. Pre-operatively, all infants had clinical symptoms of OSA, and 52% of infants also presented with failure to thrive (FIT). Seven infants were dysmorphic: three had Down syndrome, three had a craniofacial anomaly and one infant had Mobius syndrome. Following adenotonsillectomy, 23 infants (79%) had complete resolution of their OSA symptoms. Two infants with Down syndrome required a tracheostomy to relieve persistent upper airway obstruction. Eighty-seven per cent of the infants with pre-operative FTT had a significant increase in weight gain velocity postoperatively (mean 195.1 ± 80.8 s.d. vs 509.8± 249.1 g/month; P<0.001), including the infants with mild persistent symptoms of OSA. The weight gain velocity of infants who were not failing to thrive pre-operatively did not change significantly following adenotonsillectomy (328.1 ± 106.9 vs 333.2±146.4 g/month; P= 0.82). The linear growth velocity of all infants did not change significantly postoperatively. Conclusions: SA should be considered in infants with FTT, as adenotonsillectomy is an effective treatment for OSA in infancy, and the weight gain velocity of these infants may increase significantly postoperatively. Overnight oximetry or other physiological studies may be required if the clinical signs and symptoms of OSA are equivocal.