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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Age- and gender-related characteristics in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Kun-Tai Kang1,2,3, Wen-Chin Weng4,5, Pei-Lin Lee5,6

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|March 19, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more severe in boys and increases with age, particularly in male adolescents. Obesity significantly elevates the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in children with OSA.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Age and gender disparities in polysomnographic findings for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are not well understood.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of OSA in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine age and gender-related characteristics in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • To analyze polysomnographic findings across different pediatric age groups and by gender.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of polysomnographic data from 1842 children.
  • Data categorized into age groups: 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, and 15-18 years.
  • Comparison of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) based on age, gender, and obesity status.

Main Results:

  • The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) showed a trend of increasing with age (p=0.002).
  • Boys consistently had a higher AHI than girls across all age groups (p<0.001).
  • Obesity was associated with a significantly higher AHI compared to non-obese children (p<0.001).
  • AHI increased with age in boys but not significantly in girls.
  • Gender moderated the association between obesity and AHI, and between age and AHI in older adolescents.

Conclusions:

  • Male gender and obesity are significant risk factors for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • A higher AHI was observed in male adolescents compared to younger boys.
  • Age-related increases in AHI are more pronounced in boys, with gender influencing the impact of age and obesity on OSA severity.
Abstract

Keywords:
agechildgenderhealth status disparitiespolysomnographysleep apnea syndromes

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