Preliminary evidence of behavioral and cognitive sequelae of obstructive sleep apnea in children

Daniel S Lewin1, Raymond C Rosen, Sandra J England

  • 1University of Pittsburgh, Medical School, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, E-704, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. dlewin@speakeasy.net

Sleep Medicine
|November 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit significant daytime behavioral and cognitive issues, including attention and verbal deficits. Early evaluation of these disturbances is crucial for effective intervention in pediatric OSA.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neuropsychology
  • Child Behavior

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in children (1.1-2.9%).
  • Neuropsychological deficits are known in adult OSA.
  • Limited research exists on childhood OSA's cognitive impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Characterize daytime sequelae of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Investigate behavioral and cognitive deficits in children with OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 28 children with OSA to 10 healthy controls.
  • Assessed sleep, behavior, and cognitive function using standard measures.
  • Evaluated OSA severity and its association with outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSA showed significantly more behavioral problems (parents' reports).
  • Moderate to severe OSA linked to lower sustained attention scores.
  • OSA severity correlated with verbal ability deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood OSA has identifiable daytime sequelae.
  • Behavioral and cognitive disturbances are significant in pediatric OSA.
  • Evaluating daytime issues is vital for OSA intervention decisions.
Abstract