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Chemoreceptors, baroreceptors, and autonomic deregulation in children with obstructive sleep apnea

David Gozal1, Fahed Hakim, Leila Kheirandish-Gozal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Comer Children's Hospital, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. dgozal@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|September 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children significantly impacts autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, leading to cardiovascular issues. Research highlights ANS perturbations in pediatric OSA, contrary to the belief children are protected.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent breathing disorder in children with significant cardiovascular risks.
  • Cardiovascular complications in OSA stem from intermittent hypoxia, hypercapnia, thoracic pressure swings, and sleep disruption.
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is implicated in OSA's systemic effects, yet pediatric research lags behind adult studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review evidence of ANS perturbations in children with OSA.
  • To compare pediatric findings with known mechanisms in rodents and adults.
  • To identify future research directions for pediatric OSA and ANS function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on pediatric OSA and ANS.
  • Comparative assessment of ANS mechanisms across pediatric, adult, and rodent models.
  • Identification of key chemoreceptor and baroreceptor pathways involved.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports the presence of ANS perturbations in children with OSA.
  • Mechanisms in children share similarities with adult and rodent models, involving chemoreceptor and baroreceptor pathways.
  • A knowledge gap exists regarding the full extent and implications of ANS dysfunction in pediatric OSA.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric OSA is associated with significant autonomic nervous system alterations.
  • Further research is crucial to understand and address ANS dysfunction in children with OSA.
  • Clarifying these mechanisms can inform better management strategies for pediatric OSA and its comorbidities.

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