[Impact in response control, attention and hyperactivity behavior on children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea

Hai-fei Wang1, Jin Zhu, Yu Fang

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Hand and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China.

Insights

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) significantly impacts children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a prevalent condition in children.
  • OSAHS can lead to significant behavioral and cognitive impairments, including issues with attention and hyperactivity.
  • The long-term effects of OSAHS on child development necessitate effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of OSAHS on response control, attention, and hyperactivity in children.
  • To assess the efficacy of surgical intervention (adenotonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy) in improving these behavioral aspects.
  • To compare outcomes based on the duration of the disease course.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-one children (5-12 years) diagnosed with OSAHS underwent polysomnography (PSG) and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT).
  • Participants received surgical treatment (adenotonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy) and were assessed pre-surgery, and at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
  • Children were stratified into two groups based on disease duration (<5 years vs. ≥5 years) for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

  • Abnormal psychological behaviors significantly decreased from 62.7% pre-surgery to 15.7% at 6 months post-surgery (P < 0.001).
  • Improvements were observed in response control (FRCQ), attention (FAQ), and hyperactivity (HYP) scores over time post-surgery (P < 0.001).
  • Significant differences in FRCQ, FAQ, and HYP were noted between disease duration groups, with interaction effects observed for FRCQ and HYP.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical treatment for OSAHS leads to significant improvements in children's response control, attention, and hyperactivity.
  • Early intervention is recommended to mitigate the psychological impact of OSAHS on children.
  • The study highlights the reversibility of behavioral deficits associated with OSAHS following appropriate treatment.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...