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Published on: March 15, 2018

Metabolic alterations and systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep apnea among nonobese and obese prepubertal

David Gozal1, Oscar Sans Capdevila, Leila Kheirandish-Gozal

  • 1Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Louisville, 570 South Preston Street, Suite 204, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. david.gozal@louisville.edu

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is linked to metabolic issues, especially in obese youth. Treating OSA improves lipid profiles and reduces inflammation, suggesting a key role in metabolic health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to metabolic syndrome in adults, but its role in prepubertal children is less clear.
  • Metabolic derangements associated with OSA appear less pronounced in prepubertal children compared to adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanistic role of OSA in metabolic regulation in prepubertal children.
  • To assess the impact of adenotonsillectomy on metabolic parameters in children with OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-two children with OSA (obese and nonobese) underwent polysomnography.
  • Fasting glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B, and lipid profiles were measured before and after adenotonsillectomy.

Main Results:

  • Adenotonsillectomy improved sleep quality in children with OSA.
  • Nonobese children showed improved lipid profiles and reduced inflammation markers post-surgery.
  • Obese children experienced significant improvements in lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and apolipoprotein B after adenotonsillectomy.

Conclusions:

  • OSA plays a significant role in metabolic dysregulation in obese children.
  • Treatment of OSA improves lipid homeostasis and systemic inflammation, independent of obesity levels.
  • OSA does not appear to induce insulin resistance in nonobese pediatric patients.
Abstract

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