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Overnight change in brain natriuretic peptide levels in children with sleep-disordered breathing

Athanasios G Kaditis1, Emmanouel I Alexopoulos, Fotini Hatzi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa 41110, Greece. KADITIA@hotmail.com

Chest
|November 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

In children who snore, overnight increases in Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels correlate with breathing disturbances. This suggests potential nocturnal cardiac strain in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children causes increased left ventricle afterload due to pressure fluctuations.
  • Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a biomarker released by the heart in response to pressure and volume overload.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between overnight changes in BNP levels and the severity of respiratory disturbances in children who snore.
  • To determine if BNP can serve as an indicator of nocturnal cardiac strain in pediatric SDB.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma BNP levels were measured in the evening and morning in children undergoing polysomnography.
  • Participants included children with SDB (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 5/h), children with mild SDB (AHI < 5/h), and non-snoring controls.

Main Results:

  • Overnight BNP change was significantly higher in children with AHI ≥ 5/h compared to those with AHI < 5/h and controls.
  • Children with AHI ≥ 5/h had a 4.33-fold increased odds of elevated BNP levels.
  • AHI and nadir oxygen saturation were significant predictors of overnight BNP level changes.

Conclusions:

  • Overnight BNP level increases in snoring children are linked to the severity of sleep-disordered breathing.
  • Elevated BNP may signify nocturnal cardiac strain in pediatric patients with SDB.
Abstract

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