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Sleep disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders in a pediatric sample of tuberous sclerosis complex: a

Romina Moavero1, Alessandra Voci2, Francesca La Briola3

  • 1Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montepellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; Child Neurology Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.

Sleep Medicine
|December 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disorders are common in children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). While epilepsy did not increase the risk, TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) showed a strong association with sleep disturbances, highlighting the need for early detection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sleep disorders (SD) are prevalent in childhood, particularly in genetic syndromes like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
  • SD in TSC are often under-recognized, impacting patient well-being.
  • This study investigates the prevalence of SD in children with TSC and their relationship with epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
  • To explore the association between sleep disturbances, epilepsy, and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) in 177 children with TSC.
  • Collected data on epilepsy and TAND status.
  • Employed multivariate logistic regression to analyze risk factors for sleep disturbances.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disturbances were identified in 59.3% of children with TSC.
  • Epilepsy was not a significant risk factor for SD in multivariate analysis.
  • TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) were strongly associated with an increased risk of SD (p=0.01, OR=1.11).

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of sleep disorders exists in children with TSC.
  • TAND is a significant risk factor for sleep disturbances in this cohort.
  • Early detection and individualized treatment of SD in TSC can potentially improve behavior and attention.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutismEpilepsyNeuropsychiatric disordersSleepSleep disordersTuberous sclerosis

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