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Catathrenia (nocturnal groaning): an abnormal respiratory pattern during sleep
R Vetrugno1, E Lugaresi, G Plazzi
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. vetrugno@neuro.unibo.it
European Journal of Neurology
|September 20, 2007
Summary
Catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder causing nocturnal groaning, involves prolonged exhalations during sleep stages. This condition appears linked to an abnormal respiratory drive, possibly a remnant neonatal breathing pattern.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Catathrenia is a rare sleep disorder characterized by nocturnal groaning.
- Patients experience monotonous groans during sleep, often persisting for years.
- Standard daytime respiratory tests are typically normal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the respiratory patterns during sleep in patients with catathrenia.
- To analyze the association between groaning and respiratory parameters using videopolysomnography (VPSG).
- To evaluate the long-term clinical manifestations of catathrenia.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with persistent sleep-related groaning underwent overnight videopolysomnography (VPSG).
- Respiratory patterns, including breathing rate and expiration duration, were analyzed during sleep stages (NREM and REM).
- Endoesophageal pressure was measured, and patients were followed up clinically for several years.
Main Results:
- Nocturnal groaning occurred during both NREM and REM sleep stages in all patients.
- Groaning was associated with prolonged expiration, reduced breathing rate, and no oxygen desaturation.
- Mildly positive endoesophageal pressure swings suggested partial expiratory upper airway obstruction during groaning.
Conclusions:
- Catathrenia is characterized by sleep-confined groaning alternating with normal breathing patterns.
- The findings suggest an abnormality in the internal respiratory drive system.
- A possible link to a persistent neonatal breathing pattern is proposed, with no significant long-term clinical consequences observed.
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