Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry
08:23

Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry

Published on: November 5, 2019

Sleep-disordered breathing and transcranial Dopplers in sickle cell disease

Nira A Goldstein1, Roni Keller, Kathy Rey

  • 1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. ngoldstein@downstate.edu

Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|December 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Sleep-disordered breathing is common in children with sickle cell disease, affecting nearly a quarter of patients. However, this study found no link between sleep problems and increased cerebrovascular risk, as measured by transcranial Doppler.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with various complications.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly recognized in children with SCD.
  • Cerebrovascular complications, such as stroke, are a major concern in pediatric SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of SDB in children with SCD.
  • To investigate the association between SDB and high-risk transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities, a marker for cerebrovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care academic medical center.
  • Sixty-four children (aged 2-14 years) with SCD (genotype SS or Sβ(0)-thalassemia) and no history of stroke were enrolled.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing was assessed using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and overnight polysomnography for children who snored. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography was performed to measure blood flow velocities.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of snoring was 37.5%, positive polysomnography findings were 23.7%, and positive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire scores were 21.9%.
  • No significant differences in TCD velocities or the frequency of high-risk TCD findings were observed between children with and without SDB.
  • Specifically, comparisons between nonsnorers, children with snoring but negative polysomnography, and children with snoring and positive polysomnography showed no significant differences in TCD risk (P=.91 and P=.66).

Conclusions:

  • There is a high prevalence of snoring and SDB in children with sickle cell disease.
  • The study's findings do not support an association between SDB and increased cerebrovascular risk (high-risk TCD velocities) in this pediatric population.
  • Further research may be needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep and cerebrovascular health in children with SCD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...