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Published on: April 17, 2017
Respiratory function and sleep in children with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Marie Cheminelle1, Marie-Christine Nougues2, Arnaud Isapof2
1Pediatric Pulmonology Department, Armand Trousseau Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne University, 26, avenue du Docteur Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France.
Insights
Pediatric Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients frequently experience sleep and breathing issues, including sleep apnea and hypoventilation. Early respiratory monitoring is crucial for managing these complex symptoms in children with DM1.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare neuromuscular disease with poorly documented sleep and respiratory complications in pediatric populations.
- Adult DM1 respiratory and sleep issues are well-characterized, but pediatric data remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of sleep and respiratory disorders in children with DM1.
- To provide insights for improved respiratory follow-up and management strategies in pediatric DM1 patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study involving 24 children diagnosed with DM1.
- Data collection included pulmonary function tests, nocturnal gas exchange monitoring, and polysomnography.
Main Results:
- 39% of children reported symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing.
- Significant findings included restrictive respiratory patterns (12%), sleep apnea syndrome (42%, predominantly obstructive), and nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation (45%).
- Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was prescribed to 37.5% of patients, with poor tolerance noted.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric DM1 patients exhibit a high burden of sleep and respiratory disorders, necessitating tailored clinical management.
- Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these disorders in pediatric DM1 and optimize therapeutic interventions.
Abstract:
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare neuromuscular disease in children causing sleep and respiratory disorders that are poorly described in the literature compared to adult forms. This retrospective observational study was performed at the Armand Trousseau University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France. We retrospectively collected data from lung function tests, nocturnal gas exchange recordings, and polysomnography of 24 children with DM1. 39% of the children with DM1 reported respiratory symptoms indicative of sleep disordered breathing. Three patients (12%) presented with a restrictive respiratory pattern, 10 (42%) with a sleep apnoea syndrome, mainly of obstructive origin (2/10 with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome), and 11 (45%) with nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was indicated in 9 (37.5%) children, although tolerance was poor. No significant deterioration in respiratory function or nocturnal gas exchange was observed during the NIV-free period. This study provides new and useful insights into DM1 disease evolution in children to better adapt for respiratory follow-up and management. This highlights the need for future research to better understand the origin of respiratory and sleep disorders in patients with DM1.
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