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Incidence of sleep disorders in children with presumed normal variant short stature

Thomas A Campbell1, Dimitri J Papadopoulosverge, Charles F Verge

  • 1The Department of Endocrinology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study found no obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children with short stature. However, frequent periodic leg movements were observed in half of the participants, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Short stature is a common concern in pediatric endocrinology.
  • Familial short stature and constitutional delay of growth are common diagnoses.
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can impact growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children with normal variant short stature.
  • To assess potential links between sleep disorders and short stature.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 158 children under 15 with short stature was identified.
  • Parents completed a validated sleep disorder screening questionnaire.
  • Eligible children underwent overnight polysomnography if screening indicated potential issues.

Main Results:

  • No evidence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was found in any of the children studied.
  • Fifteen percent of returned questionnaires indicated abnormal sleep disorder symptoms.
  • Half of the children who underwent sleep studies exhibited frequent periodic leg movements (PLM).

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not prevalent in children diagnosed with normal variant short stature.
  • Frequent periodic leg movements (PLM) were common in this cohort, but their clinical significance requires further research.
  • Sleep disturbances may warrant consideration in the comprehensive evaluation of children with short stature.
Abstract

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