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Catecholamines and children obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review

Eleonora Sica1, Francesca De Bernardi2, Luana Nosetti3

  • 1PhD Course in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

Sleep Medicine
|October 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to increased catecholamines (CAs) due to sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. This may contribute to health problems, but the exact mechanisms require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common childhood sleep disorder involving upper airway collapse.
  • OSA is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurobehavioral issues stemming from sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation.
  • Altered catecholamines (CAs) metabolism is implicated in the pathophysiology of OSA complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review research correlating pediatric OSA with catecholamines.
  • To synthesize current evidence on the relationship between OSA and CA metabolism in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review conducted following PRISMA Statement guidelines.
  • Included studies focused on the correlation between OSA in children and catecholamines.
  • Analyzed 13 studies out of 151 initially identified reports.

Main Results:

  • A majority of the included studies (9 out of 13) reported increased secretion of certain catecholamines in children with OSA compared to controls.
  • Findings suggest a link between sleep-related breathing disorders and elevated catecholamine levels.
  • Evidence indicates a potential association between OSA and altered CA metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea in children can activate the SNS, leading to increased CA production.
  • Elevated catecholamines may contribute to the increased morbidity observed in pediatric OSA.
  • The precise pathophysiologic mechanisms linking OSA, SNS activation, and catecholamine metabolism remain to be fully elucidated.
Abstract

Keywords:
Catecholamines (CAs)Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

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