Prevalence and risk factors for central sleep apnea in infants with laryngomalacia

Archwin Tanphaichitr1, Pattraporn Tanphaichitr, Polporn Apiwattanasawee

  • 1Sleep Disorders Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Insights

Central sleep apnea (CSA) affects nearly half of infants with laryngomalacia, impacting sleep quality. Polysomnography may be needed for infants with complex conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Laryngomalacia is a common congenital disorder affecting infant airways.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a significant respiratory event during sleep.
  • The relationship between laryngomalacia and CSA requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of central sleep apnea (CSA) in infants diagnosed with laryngomalacia.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with CSA in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review was conducted on infants diagnosed with laryngomalacia.
  • Diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) data from 2003-2012 were analyzed.
  • Infants who had undergone prior upper airway surgery were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) was identified in 46.3% of infants with laryngomalacia.
  • While certain factors like neurologic disease, hypotonia, syndromes, life-threatening events, prematurity, and younger age showed higher odds of CSA, they were not statistically significant.
  • Infants with CSA exhibited reduced total sleep time and sleep efficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a common comorbidity in infants with laryngomalacia.
  • The study suggests a potential link between specific risk factors and CSA, though not statistically significant.
  • Polysomnography (PSG) is recommended for evaluating infants with laryngomalacia, especially those with complex medical histories, to assess for CSA and its impact on sleep architecture.
Abstract

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