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Central sleep apnea in obese children with sleep-disordered breathing

C H Chou1, K T Kang2, W C Weng3

  • 11] Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan [2] Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|September 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric central sleep apnea (CSA) is more common than previously thought. Obese children with sleep-disordered breathing have a lower central apnea index (CAI) than non-obese children, with younger age being a significant factor.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Sleep medicine
  • Obesity research

Background:

  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) in children, particularly those who are obese, is understudied compared to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Pediatric CSA is more prevalent than anticipated and has significant negative health implications.
  • Understanding the factors influencing CSA in children is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key factors associated with the central apnea index (CAI) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
  • To compare the prevalence and characteristics of CSA between obese and non-obese pediatric populations.
  • To investigate the relationship between age, obesity, and CAI in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 487 children (2-18 years) diagnosed with SDB at a tertiary referral center.
  • Data collection included medical history, otolaryngological examination, and overnight polysomnography.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) was defined as a CAI exceeding 1 event per hour; analysis included age groups, weight status, and adenotonsillar size.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of CSA was 13.3% (65/487).
  • A significant negative correlation was observed between CAI and age (r=-0.32, P<0.001).
  • Obese children exhibited a significantly lower CAI compared to non-obese children (0.20 ± 0.36 vs 0.48 ± 0.82 h(-1), P<0.001).
  • Multiple linear regression revealed CAI is associated with age and obesity (CAI=0.883 - 0.055 × Age - 0.22 × Obesity).

Conclusions:

  • Younger children with SDB demonstrate a higher central apnea index (CAI) compared to older children.
  • Obesity is associated with a reduced CAI in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
  • These findings highlight the distinct characteristics of CSA in obese pediatric populations and underscore the importance of age as a factor.
Abstract

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