Cardiac systolic function in Greek children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children is linked to impaired cardiac function.
• Previous studies indicate increased ventricular strain and reduced left ventricle (LV) diastolic function in pediatric SDB.
• This study specifically investigates systolic myocardial function in relation to SDB severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate left ventricle (LV) systolic myocardial function in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
• To determine the association between the severity of SDB and LV systolic function parameters.
• To identify predictors of systolic function in children with SDB.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiography, including two-dimensional, Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging, was performed on children referred for polysomnography.
• Subjects were categorized into moderate-to-severe SDB, mild SDB, and primary snoring groups based on their obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI).
• Statistical analysis was used to compare cardiac function parameters and identify significant predictors.

Main Results:

• A total of 46 children were studied, with varying degrees of SDB severity.
• Children with moderate-to-severe SDB exhibited significantly lower LV shortening fraction (SF) and ejection fraction (EF) compared to those with primary snoring.
• Obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI), age, and systolic blood pressure were identified as significant predictors of SF and EF.

Conclusions:

• Left ventricle (LV) systolic function is inversely associated with the severity of intermittent upper airway obstruction during sleep in children with obstructive SDB.
• The findings highlight a detrimental effect of SDB severity on cardiac systolic performance in pediatric patients.
• This emphasizes the importance of addressing SDB to potentially mitigate cardiovascular complications.