Comparing Sleep Patterns and Clinical Features between Preschool and School-Age Children with OSA

This study aimed to evaluate sleep patterns and investigate differences in clinical features among young individuals with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Data from 213 children and adolescents who underwent polysomnography (PSG) for primary snoring or OSA were collected between July 2017 and December 2021. To analyze differences in sleep architecture, hypoxia levels, and other clinical features, the participants were divided into two age groups: a preschool group and a school-age group.

The school-age group had significantly higher apnea-hypopnea index, obstructive apnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and body mass index than the preschool group. Both the lowest and average oxygen saturation levels were lower in the school-age group. Adenoid hypertrophy was more prevalent in the preschool group. The rate of overweight or obesity was 35.6% in the preschool group and even 94.2% in the school-age group. There were higher percentages of N1 and N2 sleep stages, and lower percentages of N3 and REM sleep stages in the school-age group. The groups exhibiting moderate to severe OSA demonstrated significant alterations in the difference between sleeping and waking diastolic blood pressure.

There is a higher frequency of respiratory events among school-age children compared with their preschool peers. Moreover, alterations in sleep structure are more prominent in the school-age group. Adenoid hypertrophy may serve as the primary instigator of OSA in preschool children, whereas the predominant causes in school-age children may be obesity or excessive weight.

Retrospective chart review, 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1472-1478, 2024.