C-reactive protein, obstructive sleep apnea, and cognitive dysfunction in school-aged children
David Gozal1, Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree, Oscar Sans Capdevila
1Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 570 South Preston Street, Suite 204, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. david.gozal@louisville.edu
Summary
Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) show higher inflammation markers. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in OSA children indicate increased risk for cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Neuroinflammation
- Child Cognitive Development
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is linked to significant neurobehavioral and cognitive issues.
- However, cognitive impairment is not universal among children with OSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate systemic inflammation, using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serum levels.
- To identify children with OSA at greater risk for cognitive morbidity based on inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 278 children (aged 5-7 years), including habitual snorers and non-snorers.
- Conducted polysomnography, neurocognitive testing, and hsCRP blood tests.
- Categorized snoring children into OSA and non-OSA groups, and OSA children by cognitive status.
Main Results:
- Mean hsCRP was higher in children with OSA (0.36+/-0.11 mg/dl) compared to non-OSA snorers (0.19+/-0.07 mg/dl).
- Children with OSA and cognitive deficits had significantly higher hsCRP levels (0.48+/-0.12 mg/dl) than those with OSA and normal cognition (0.21+/-0.08 mg/dl).
Conclusions:
- Higher hsCRP levels are observed in children with OSA, especially those with neurocognitive deficits.
- The extent of inflammatory response in OSA appears to be a key factor in the risk of neurocognitive dysfunction.
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