Neuropsychological Consequences of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Author(s):  
Jennifer Janusz ◽  
Ann Halbower

Pediatric sleep disorders have been gaining awareness among practitioners due to their potential for cognitive, behavioral, and somatic effects (Gozal 2008; Moore et al. 2006). Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is commonly seen in children and encompasses a range of disorders, in primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (Marcus 2000). Sleep-disordered breathing is characterized by partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep due to collapse or narrowing of the pharynx. This can result in sleep fragmentation due to brief arousals during the night, as well as disruption or cessation of airflow (Blunden and Beebe 2006; Halbower and Mahone 2006). This chapter describes the neuropsychological and behavioral consequences of SDB, comorbid disorders, and effects of treatment. Sleep-disordered breathing is considered a spectrum of airflow limitation, from mild to severe. For instance, primary snoring (PS), defined as snoring without oxygen desaturation or sleep arousals, is at the mild end of the spectrum. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), in the middle of the spectrum, is characterized by increased negative intrathoracic pressure with sleep arousals and sleep fragmentation but no oxygen desaturations (Bao and Guilleminault 2004; Garetz 2008; Lumeng and Chervin 2008). In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), at the severe end of the spectrum, there are repeated episodes of blockage of the airway with changes in oxygenation. Obstructive sleep apnea results from a combination of factors, including anatomical obstruction from adenoids, tonsils, or a narrow pharynx, and decreased neuromuscular tone required to maintain airway patency (Arens and Marcus 2004). An overnight polysomnogram (PSG) completed in a sleep laboratory and measuring sleep–wake states, respiration, movement, blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and cardiac activity, is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of OSA (American Academy of Pediatrics 2002). The PSG is used to diagnose respiratory events, cardiac changes, and arousals from different sleep states. Respiratory events include obstructive apneas and hypopneas. Obstructive apnea events are episodes of complete airway obstruction, while hypopneas are partial obstructions or airflow limitations (Garetz 2008; Redline et al. 2007).

2003 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 1761-1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Kirkness ◽  
Melanie Madronio ◽  
Rosie Stavrinou ◽  
John R. Wheatley ◽  
Terence C. Amis

Lowering surface tension (γ) of upper airway lining liquid (UAL) reduces upper airway opening (anesthetized humans) and closing (anesthetized rabbits) pressures. We now hypothesize that in sleeping obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients lowering γ of UAL will enhance upper airway stability and decrease the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. Nine OSAHS patients [respiratory disturbance index (RDI): 49 ± 8 (SE) events/h, diagnostic night] participated in a two-part, one-night, polysomnography study. In the first part, upper airway closing pressures (during non-rapid eye movement sleep, Pcrit) were measured and samples of UAL (awake) were obtained before and after 2.5 ml of surfactant (Exosurf, Glaxo Smith Kline) was instilled into the posterior pharynx. The γ of UAL was determined with the use of the “pull-off” force technique. In the second part, subjects received a second application of 2.5 ml of surfactant and then slept the remainder of the night (205 ± 30 min). Instillation of surfactant decreased the γ of UAL from 60.9 ± 3.1 mN/m (control) to 45.2 ± 2.5 mN/m (surfactant group) ( n = 9, P < 0.001). Pcrit decreased from 1.19 ± 1.14 cmH2O (control) to -0.56 ± 1.15 cmH2O (surfactant group) ( n = 7, P < 0.02). Compared with the second half of diagnostic night, surfactant decreased RDI from 51 ± 8 to 35 ± 8 events/h ( n = 9, P < 0.03). The fall in RDI (ΔRDI) correlated with the fall in γ of UAL (Δγ) (ΔRDI = 1.8 × Δγ, r = 0.68, P = 0.04). Hypopneas decreased ∼50% from 42 ± 8 to 20 ± 5 events/h ( n = 9, P < 0.03, paired t-test). The γ of UAL measured the next morning remained low at 49.5 ± 2.7 mN/m ( n = 9, P < 0.001, ANOVA, compared with control). In conclusion, instillation of surfactant reduced the γ of UAL in OSAHS patients and decreased Pcrit and the occurrence of hypopneas. Therapeutic manipulation of γ of UAL may be beneficial in reducing the severity of sleep-disordered breathing in OSAHS patients.


Author(s):  
Nosetti Luana ◽  
Zaffanello Marco ◽  
De Bernardi Francesca ◽  
Piacentini Giorgio ◽  
Roberto Giulia ◽  
...  

Upper airway abnormalities increase the risk of pediatric morbidity in infants. A multidisciplinary approach to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) poses challenges to clinical practice. The incidence and causes of OSA are poorly studied in children under 2 years of age. To fill this gap, we performed this retrospective observational study to determine the causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and February 2018, after a brief unexplained event (BRUE) or for OSA. We reviewed the medical charts of 82 patients (39 males; BRUE n = 48; OSAS n = 34) and divided them into two age groups: < 1 year old (1–12 months; n = 59) and >1 year old (>12–24 months; n = 23). Assessment included nap polysomnography, multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH, and nasopharyngoscopy. Sleep disordered breathing was comparable between the two groups. Omega-shaped epiglottis, laryngomalacia, and nasal septum deviation were more frequent in the younger group, and nasal congestion in older group. Tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy was more frequent in the older group, while laryngomalacia and gastroesophageal reflux was more frequent in the younger group. Tonsil and adenoid size were associated with grade of apnea-hypopnea index severity in the older group, and laryngomalacia and gastroesophageal reflux in the younger group. The main causes of respiratory sleep disorders differ in children before or after age 1 year. Our findings have potential clinical utility for assessing the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep disordered breathing in patients less than 2 years old.


Author(s):  
Juliana Alves Sousa Caixeta ◽  
Jessica Caixeta Silva Sampaio ◽  
Vanessa Vaz Costa ◽  
Isadora Milhomem Bruno da Silveira ◽  
Carolina Ribeiro Fernandes de Oliveira ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Adenotonsillectomy is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. The physical benefits of this surgery are well known as well as its impact on the quality of life (QoL), mainly according to short-term evaluations. However, the long-term effects of this surgery are still unclear. Objective To evaluate the long-term impact of adenotonsillectomy on the QoL of children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Method This was a prospective non-controlled study. Children between 3 and 13 years of age with symptoms of SDB for whom adenotonsillectomy had been indicated were included. Children with comorbities were excluded. Quality of life was evaluated using the obstructive sleep apnea questionnaire (OSA-18), which was completed prior to, 10 days, 6 months, 12 months and, at least, 18 months after the procedure. For statistical analysis, p-values lower than 0.05 were defined as statistically significant. Results A total of 31 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 5.2 years, and 16 patients were male. The OSA-18 scores improved after the procedure in all domains, and this result was maintained until the last evaluation, done 22 ± 3 months after the procedure. Improvement in each domain was not superior to achieved in other domains. No correlation was found between tonsil or adenoid size and OSA-18 scores. Conclusion This is the largest prospective study that evaluated the long-term effects of the surgery on the QoL of children with SDB using the OSA-18. Our results show adenotonsillectomy has a positive impact in children's QoL.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A224-A225
Author(s):  
Fayruz Araji ◽  
Cephas Mujuruki ◽  
Brian Ku ◽  
Elisa Basora-Rovira ◽  
Anna Wani

Abstract Introduction Achondroplasia (ACH) occurs approximately 1 in 20,000–30,000 live births. They are prone to sleep disordered breathing specifically due to the upper airway stenosis, enlarged head circumference, combined with hypotonia and limited chest wall size associated with scoliosis at times. The co-occurrence of sleep apnea is well established and can aide in the decision for surgical intervention, however it is unclear at what age children should be evaluated for sleep apnea. Screening is often delayed as during the daytime there is no obvious gas exchange abnormalities. Due to the rareness of this disease, large studies are not available, limiting the data for discussion and analysis to develop guidelines on ideal screening age for sleep disordered breathing in children with ACH. Methods The primary aim of this study is to ascertain the presence of sleep disorder breathing and demographics of children with ACH at time of first polysomnogram (PSG) completed at one of the largest pediatric sleep lab in the country. The secondary aim of the study is to identify whether subsequent polysomnograms were completed if surgical interventions occurred and how the studies differed over time with and without intervention. Retrospective review of the PSGs from patients with ACH, completed from 2017–2019 at the Children’s Sleep Disorders Center in Dallas, TX. Clinical data, demographics, PSG findings and occurrence of interventions were collected. Results Twenty-seven patients with the diagnosis of ACH met criteria. The average age at the time of their first diagnostic PSG was at 31.6 months of age (2.7 years), of those patients 85% had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA),51% had hypoxemia and 18% had hypercapnia by their first diagnostic sleep study. Of those with OSA, 50% were severe. Majority were females, 55%. Most of our patients were Hispanic (14%), Caucasian (9%), Asian (2%), Other (2%), Black (0%). Each patient had an average of 1.9 PSGs completed. Conclusion Our findings can help create a foundation for discussion of screening guidelines. These guidelines will serve to guide primary care physicians to direct these patients to an early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Support (if any):


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Guilleminault ◽  
Rafael Pelayo ◽  
Damien Leger ◽  
Alex Clerk ◽  
Robert C. Z. Bocian

Objective. To determine whether upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) can be recognized and distinguished from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in prepubertal children based on clinical evaluations, and, in a subgroup of the population, to compare the efficacy of esophageal pressure (Pes) monitoring to that of transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (tcPco2) and expired carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements in identifying UARS in children. Study Design. A retrospective study was performed on children, 12 years and younger, seen at our clinic since 1985. Children with diagnoses of sleep-disordered breathing were drawn from our database and sorted by age and initial symptoms. Clinical findings, based on interviews and questionnaires, an orocraniofacial scale, and nocturnal polygraphic recordings were tabulated and compared. If the results of the first polygraphic recording were inconclusive, a second night's recording was performed with the addition of Pes monitoring. In addition, simultaneous measurements of tcPco2 and endtidal CO2 with sampling through a catheter were performed on this second night in 76 children. These 76 recordings were used as our gold standard, because they were the most comprehensive. For this group, 1848 apneic events and 7040 abnormal respiratory events were identified based on airflow, thoracoabdominal effort, and Pes recordings. We then analyzed the simultaneously measured tcPCo2 and expired CO2 levels to ascertain their ability to identify these same events. Results. The first night of polygraphic recording was inconclusive enough to warrant a second recording in 316 of 411 children. Children were identified as having either UARS (n = 259), OSAS (n = 83), or other sleep disorders (n = 69). Children with small triangular chins, retroposition of the mandible, steep mandibular plane, high hard palate, long oval-shaped face, or long soft palate were highly likely to have sleep-disordered breathing of some type. If large tonsils were associated with these features, OSAS was much more frequently noted than UARS. In the 76 gold standard children, Pes, tcPco2, and expired CO2 measurements were in agreement for 1512 of the 1848 apneas and hypopneas that were analyzed. Of the 7040 upper airway resistance events, only 2314 events were consonant in all three measures. tcPco2 identified only 33% of the increased respiratory events identified by Pes; expired CO2 identified only 53% of the same events. Conclusions. UARS is a subtle form of sleep-disordered breathing that leads to significant clinical symptoms and day and nighttime disturbances. When clinical symptoms suggest abnormal breathing during sleep but obstructive sleep apneas are not found, physicians may, mistakenly, assume an absence of breathing-related sleep problems. Symptoms and orocraniofacial information were not useful in distinguishing UARS from OSAS but were useful in distinguishing sleep-disordered breathing (UARS and OSAS) from other sleep disorders. The analysis of esophageal pressure patterns during sleep was the most revealing of the three techniques used for recognizing abnormal breathing patterns during sleep.


2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Chung ◽  
Pu Liao ◽  
Balaji Yegneswaran ◽  
Colin M. Shapiro ◽  
Weimin Kang

Abstract Background: Anesthetics, analgesics, and surgery may profoundly affect sleep architecture and aggravate sleep-related breathing disturbances. The authors hypothesized that patients with preoperative polysomnographic evidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) would experience greater changes in these parameters than patients without OSA. Methods: After obtaining approvals from the Institutional Review Boards, consented patients underwent portable polysomnography preoperatively and on postoperative nights (N) 1, 3, 5, and 7 at home or in hospital. The primary and secondary outcome measurements were polysomnographic parameters of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep architecture. Results: Of the 58 patients completed the study, 38 patients had OSA (apnea hypopnea index [AHI] &gt;5) with median preoperative AHI of 18 events per hour and 20 non-OSA patients had median preoperative AHI of 2. AHI was increased after surgery in both OSA and non-OSA patients (P &lt; 0.05), with peak increase on postoperative N3 (OSA vs. non-OSA, 29 [14, 57] vs. 8 [2, 18], median [25th, 75th percentile], P &lt; 0.05). Hypopnea index accounted for 72% of the postoperative increase in AHI. The central apnea index was low (median = 0) but was significantly increased on postoperative N1 in only non-OSA patients. Sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement sleep, and slow-wave sleep were decreased on N1 in both groups, with gradual recovery. Conclusions: Postoperatively, sleep architecture was disturbed and AHI was increased in both OSA and non-OSA patients. Although the disturbances in sleep architecture were greatest on postoperative N1, breathing disturbances during sleep were greatest on postoperative N3.


Author(s):  
HF Qashqari ◽  
I Narang ◽  
H Katzberg ◽  
K Vezina ◽  
A Khayat ◽  
...  

Background: Myasthenia Gravis ( MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction. It typically presents with fluctuating muscle weakness which can affect respiratory muscles. Data about the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in children with MG and the benefits of non-invasive ventilation outside the setting of MG crisis has not been studied so far. Methods: Eleven children between 3 and 18 years old with confirmed MG were recruited from the The Hospital for Sick Children Neuromuscular clinic in a prospective observational study. Informed consent was obtained and patients underwent PFTs, MIP/MEP, SNIP, FVC and standard polysomnography testing’s. Results: In our study, we found that 2/11 children had abnormal Apnea Hypopnea index (AHI) and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One of them has juvenile ocular MG with mild to moderate OSA and the second child has congenital MG with mild OSA. CPAP therapy was initiated for both patients. Conclusions: In our cohort, obstructive sleep apnea rate was significantly higher in children with MG than the known prevalence in general pediatric population ( 18% vs 2-3% ). Early diagnosis and management of OSA can have great impact on children’s health and quality of life. A larger study is needed to validate our findings.


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