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[Narcolepsy in sleepy obese children. Two case reports]

C Rives-Lange1, A Karsenty1, H Chantereau1

  • 1Service de nutrition et gastro-entérologie pédiatriques, hôpital Trousseau, AP-HP, université Paris 6, 26, avenue du Dr-Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|May 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, can cause obesity in children. Early diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy are crucial for managing both sleep issues and weight gain.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, and cataplexy.
  • Hypocretin deficiency in narcolepsy may influence appetite regulation, potentially linking it to obesity and precocious puberty in children.

Observation:

  • Two young girls presented with obesity and subsequently developed narcolepsy with rapid weight gain.
  • These cases highlight a potential association between narcolepsy and unexplained weight gain in pediatric patients.

Findings:

  • Specific medications improved wakefulness and stabilized weight in the observed patients.
  • Narcolepsy should be considered in obese children experiencing excessive sleepiness, avoiding misdiagnosis as obstructive sleep apnea.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis of narcolepsy in sleepy, obese children is essential.
  • Nocturnal polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests are recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment initiation.
  • Effective treatment can address both narcolepsy symptoms and associated weight gain.

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