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Published on: December 6, 2016
Seasonal variability in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea
Lisa M Walter1, Lauren C Nisbet, Gillian M Nixon
1The Ritchie Centre, Level 5, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia. lisa.walter@monash.edu
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 22, 2012
Summary
Children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) show higher obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) in winter and spring. This suggests seasonal inflammation may worsen airway obstruction in SDB patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Sleep medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Allergies and viral infections may cause sleep disordered breathing (SDB) by increasing adenotonsillar size.
- Seasonal variations in SDB severity are not well understood.
- Investigating seasonal patterns of SDB in children is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze seasonal variations in sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children.
- To determine if the obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) changes with seasons.
- To explore the relationship between seasonal respiratory infections and SDB severity.
Main Methods:
- 257 children aged 3-12 with suspected SDB underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG).
- The obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) was measured and analyzed across different seasons.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare OAHI values between seasons.
Main Results:
- Mean OAHI was significantly higher in winter (5.1 events/h) and spring (4.6 events/h) compared to autumn (2.4 events/h) and summer (2.0 events/h).
- A notable increase in OAHI was observed during colder months (winter and spring).
- No significant OAHI differences were found between summer and other seasons or between winter and spring.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more severe in children during winter and spring.
- Respiratory viral infections may cause adenotonsillar hypertrophy, exacerbating airway obstruction in SDB.
- Clinicians should consider seasonal factors when interpreting PSG results for pediatric SDB.
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