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Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) as a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis in children

Nur Syazwin Sies1, Azriyanti Anuar Zaini1,2, Jessie Anne de Bruyne1,2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Scientific Reports
|February 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) show lower bone health indicators, suggesting an increased risk for secondary osteoporosis. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) screening is recommended for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Repetitive hypoxia from obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may disrupt bone metabolism.
  • Secondary osteoporosis is a potential complication linked to OSAS.
  • Early identification of bone health risks in children with OSAS is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between OSAS in children and the risk of secondary osteoporosis.
  • To evaluate bone health parameters in children diagnosed with OSAS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 150 children (aged 10-17 years), including 86 with OSAS and 64 controls.
  • OSAS diagnosis confirmed via polysomnography.
  • Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneum (measuring SoS and BUA), bone profile, vitamin D, physical activity, and dietary calcium intake were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSAS exhibited lower mean phosphate and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to controls.
  • OSAS group showed significantly lower mean speed of sound (SoS) values, even after adjusting for age, BMI, and bone profile (p < 0.001).
  • Lower SoS suggests a potential risk for secondary osteoporosis in children with OSAS.

Conclusions:

  • Children with OSAS demonstrate reduced bone health indicators, indicating a risk for secondary osteoporosis.
  • Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneum is a feasible, non-invasive tool for screening osteoporosis risk in pediatric populations.
  • Further bone mineral density assessments are warranted to confirm osteoporosis diagnosis in children with OSAS.

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