Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children Referred to a Sleep Clinic

Abstract

Background and Objective: Failure in diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in children lead to physical and mental growth retardation, cardiopulmonary, and/or behavioral disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate polysomnographic (PSG) and clinical findings of sleep apnea in children referred to a sleep clinic in Qazvin, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 children and adolescents < 18 years old in Qazvin. All children referred to a pediatric sleep clinic during the years 2008-2009 were enrolled in this study, consecutively. These children were referred for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). BEARS and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire were completed by parents. Subjects underwent overnight full PSG. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: A total of 50 subjects participated in this study. A mean age was 7.8 ± 5.2 years. 40 (80%) subjects were male. The most common cause for referral was snoring (18 patients, 36%). Daily hyperactivity and insomnia were reported in 20 (40%) and 16 (32%) subjects, respectively. 12 (24%) children had normal sleep pattern, 30 (60%) OSA and 8 (16%) other sleep disorders. No significant associations were seen between PSG results and body mass index or sex. Conclusion: The majority of children referred to the sleep clinic had sleep apnea which indicates that many cases of the disease remain unknown. It is necessary to increase the knowledge of the public and medical staff about signs and symptoms of sleep breathing disorders to screen the patients and referral to sleep clinics.

Keywords

• Sleep apnea
• Children
• Polysomnography