Frontiers in Pediatrics (Mar 2014)

Plasma natriuretic peptides in children and adolescents with obstructive sleep apnoea and their changes following intervention

  • Albert Martin Li,
  • Chun T eAu,
  • Jodie eZhu,
  • Kate eChan,
  • Michael eChan,
  • Dennis eLee,
  • Yun K eWing

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2014.00022
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate circulating natriuretic peptides (NP) concentration in obese and non-obese children and adolescents with and without OSA, and their levels following OSA treatment.Methods: Subjects with habitual snoring and symptoms suggestive of OSA were recruited. They underwent physical examination and overnight polysomnography (PSG). OSA was diagnosed if obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) ≥1/h. Fasting serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were taken after overnight PSG. The subjects were divided into obese, non-obese, with and without OSA groups for comparisons.Results: 114 children (77 were boys) with a median (IQR) age of 10.8 (8.3-12.7) years (range: 2.4-11.8 years) were recruited. Sixty-eight subjects were found to have OSA. Natriuretic peptide levels did not differ between subjects with and without OSA in both obese and non-obese groups. . Stepwise multiple linear regressions revealed that body mass index (BMI) z-score was the only independent factor associated with NP concentrations. Fifteen children with moderate-to-severe OSA (OAHI >5/h) underwent treatment and there were no significant changes in both ANP and BNP levels after intervention.Conclusion: BMI rather than OSA was the main determinant of natriuretic peptide levels in school-aged children and adolescents.

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