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Published on: February 2, 2017
Behavior and obstructive sleep apnea in children: is obesity a factor?
Emily F Rudnick1, Ron B Mitchell
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA. emilyrudnick@yahoo.com
The Laryngoscope
|June 29, 2007
Summary
Behavioral problems are common in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study found that these issues occur regardless of whether the child is obese or normal weight.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently associated with behavioral and neurocognitive issues in children.
- Obesity is a common comorbidity in children with OSA.
- Understanding the interplay between OSA, obesity, and behavior is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and behavioral problems in obese children.
- To compare the prevalence and nature of behavioral issues in obese children with OSA versus normal-weight children with OSA.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study involving obese and normal-weight children diagnosed with OSA.
- Behavioral assessment using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) and calculation of the Behavioral Symptoms Index (BSI).
- Preoperative polysomnography was used to confirm OSA diagnosis and severity.
Main Results:
- The study included 52 children with OSA, 18 of whom were obese.
- No significant difference in the overall Behavioral Symptoms Index (BSI) scores was found between obese and normal-weight children.
- Similar rates of clinically significant behavioral problems and specific BASC scale abnormalities were observed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral problems are highly prevalent in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- The presence and severity of these behavioral issues in children with OSA do not appear to be dependent on their weight status (obese vs. normal weight).
- These findings suggest that OSA itself, rather than obesity, may be a primary driver of behavioral problems in this population.
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