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Published on: December 6, 2016
Obstructive sleep apnea in adults with Down syndrome
Maria S Trois1, George T Capone, Janita A Lutz
1Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is highly prevalent in adults with Down syndrome (DS), often severe and linked to obesity. Early diagnosis and treatment of OSAS are crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome (DS) frequently experience obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
- Predisposing factors for OSAS are common in adults with DS, yet this demographic remains understudied.
- Obesity is a known risk factor for OSAS, but its specific impact on DS adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of OSAS in adults with DS.
- To investigate the correlation between obesity and OSAS severity in adults with DS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 16 adults with DS undergoing sleep disordered breathing evaluation.
- Polysomnography was used to assess sleep parameters.
- Results were compared to a retrospective sample of adult patients with suspected OSAS.
Main Results:
- 94% of DS subjects exhibited abnormal polysomnograms, indicating a high prevalence of OSAS.
- The median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 37/h, with significant hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
- OSAS severity, measured by AHI and oxygen saturation nadir, was significantly worse in DS patients compared to non-DS patients, and correlated with higher body mass index.
Conclusions:
- Adults with DS commonly have OSAS, characterized by obstructive apnea, hypoxemia, hypoventilation, and sleep fragmentation.
- The severity of OSAS in DS adults is associated with obesity.
- Untreated OSAS complications may be misattributed to DS, underscoring the need for prompt investigation and treatment in this population.
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