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Plasma IGF-1 levels and cognitive dysfunction in children with obstructive sleep apnea

David Gozal1, Oscar Sans Capdevila, Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree

  • 1Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Division of Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 570 S. Preston Street, Suite 204, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. david.gozal@louisville.edu

Sleep Medicine
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Higher Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may protect children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) from cognitive deficits. This study suggests IGF-1

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Child Cognitive Development

Background:

  • Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is linked to cognitive impairments.
  • Cognitive performance varies among children with OSA, regardless of severity.
  • Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) has neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between IGF-1 levels and cognitive function in children with OSA.
  • To determine if higher IGF-1 levels are associated with a lower risk of cognitive morbidity in pediatric OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 5-7 year old children (snoring and non-snoring).
  • Conducted polysomnography, neurocognitive testing, and blood draws.
  • Measured plasma IGF-1 levels via ELISA and categorized children based on OSA and cognitive status.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSA had higher IGF-1 levels than those without OSA (1070 vs. 910 pg/mL).
  • Children with OSA and cognitive deficits had significantly lower IGF-1 levels (540 pg/mL) compared to those with OSA and normal cognition (1370 pg/mL).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated IGF-1 levels are observed in children with OSA.
  • Higher IGF-1 levels are particularly noted in OSA patients without cognitive deficits.
  • The IGF-1 response to OSA may offer a protective mechanism against neurocognitive dysfunction.
Abstract

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