Abstract
Introduction
The relationship of OSA and human coronavirus (COVID-19) in the pediatric population is unknown. We postulate that OSA is associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in children.
Methods
A retrospective review of 120 consecutive patients (<18 years) with prior polysomnogram (PSG) and COVID-19 testing from the Cleveland Clinic COVID-19 registry was conducted. Using a case control design of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pediatric patients, we examined COVID-19 and pre-existing OSA (dichotomized AHI≥1) using logistic (OR,95%CI) regression and as continuous measures: AHI, oxygen(SpO2) nadir, %time SpO2<90%) using linear regression(beta+/-SE). In those positive for SARS-CoV-2(cases only), we assessed the association of OSA and World Health Organization(WHO) COVID-19 clinical outcome composite score (hospitalization, requiring supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen, invasive ventilation/ECMO or death) using Wilcoxon rank sum test for ordinal data.
Results
Cases (n=36) were 11.8±4.4 years, 61% male, 27.8% black and 88.9% with OSA, while 85.7% of controls (n=84) had OSA. OSA was not associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 positivity: OR=1.33(0.40, 4.45,p=0.64). No significant difference between cases and controls for mean AHI 3.7(1.5,6.0) vs 3.5(1.5,7.1),p=0.91,SpO2 nadir 88.6±5.4 vs 89.1±4.4,p=0.58,%time SpO2<90% 0.05[0.00,1.00) vs 0.10 (0.00,1.00, p=0.65) respectively was noted. WHO-7 COVID-19 clinical outcome did not meet statistical significance in relation to OSA due to the low event frequency (p=0.49). Of note, those with OSA vs without OSA had a higher WHO-7 outcome score of 2 vs 0 and prevalence of hospitalization: 12.5 vs 0% respectively. Of hospitalized patients, the following was observed: 23% had moderate/severe OSA vs 4.3% mild OSA, 50% required supplemental oxygen and 25% required intubation/invasive ventilation. No deaths or readmissions were reported. High risk conditions included: 75% obesity, 50% asthma, 25% sickle cell disease and 25% hypoplastic left heart.
Conclusion
In this first report of which we are aware focused on COVID-19 in pediatric OSA, we use a case control design leveraging COVID-19 and sleep laboratory registries. Albeit not statistically significant, pediatric patients with OSA had a higher percentage of worse clinical outcomes. Larger network studies are needed to clarify whether poorer COVID-19 outcomes may be attributable to OSA or modulated via high risk health conditions.
Support (if any):
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