Pulmonary dysfunction in overweight and obese children with obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Overweight and obese children are at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and abnormal pulmonary function (PF). Aim Investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), OSA on PF in children. Materials & Method Seventy‐four children were recruited. Mixed obstructive apnoea‐hypopnea index (MOAHI), BMI, oxygen saturation (SpO2), forced expiratory volume one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured. Results Twenty‐four and thirty children had mild OSA and moderate‐to‐severe OSA respectively. BMI correlated negatively with SpO2 nadir (r = −.363, p = .001). FVC, FEV1 and nadir SpO2 values decreased with OSA severity (p < .001). The odds of a child with OSA having an abnormal spirometry was 3.16 (95% CI: 1.08, 9.22). There was significant association between FeNO and AHI (r = .497, <.001). Discussion Overweight and obese children with OSA have significant abnormalities in pulmonary function independent of BMI. OSA severity and elevated FeNO also correlated with diminishing lung function.

Keywords

• children
• cytokines
• obesity
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• overweight
• pulmonary function