Pediatric sickle cell disease and obstructive sleep apnea: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary pediatric center in

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Wadha Alotaibi1, Safa Eltahir1, Mohmmed Rayis2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Family & Community Medicine
|September 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common in Saudi children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Early screening for OSA is crucial for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder with various complications.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
  • The prevalence of sleep disorders in children with SCD is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of snoring and OSA in Saudi children diagnosed with SCD.
  • To determine the association between SCD and sleep-disordered breathing.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Children with SCD attending a hematology clinic were recruited.
  • Data collected included demographics, clinical information, sleep questionnaires, and overnight polysomnography.

Main Results:

  • The study included 70 children with SCD (median age 9 years).
  • A significant proportion of children with SCD (74%) reported snoring.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed in 46% of the participants, with 10 children having severe OSA.

Conclusions:

  • Snoring and OSA are highly prevalent in children with sickle cell disease.
  • Routine screening for OSA should be considered in all children diagnosed with SCD.
  • Addressing OSA may improve the health outcomes for children with SCD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Obstructive sleep apneapediatricssickle cell disease

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