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Factors Associated With Blood Pressure in School-Age Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Shameka Rodgers Phillips1, Laura Gray2, Ann Hammack Johnson3
1Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Insights
Body mass index (BMI) is a primary factor influencing blood pressure (BP) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The percentage of total sleep time (TST) with adequate end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) also affects BP, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sleep Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face heightened risks for elevated blood pressure (BP).
- Factors like sleep disturbances, oxygen levels, and body mass index (BMI) are implicated in BP changes, but their specific roles in school-aged children with OSA require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with blood pressure (BP) in school-aged children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of 163 school-aged children from the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial.
- Cross-sectional study examining relationships between BP and variables including BMI, sleep parameters, and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2).
Main Results:
- Positive correlations were observed between BMI percentiles and both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP).
- The association between BMI percentiles and DBP remained significant after adjusting for race and OSA severity.
- DBP also showed a positive relationship with the percentage of total sleep time (TST) with end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) ≥50 mmHg, even after controlling for BMI, OSA severity, and race.
Conclusions:
- Body mass index (BMI) emerges as a key determinant of BP in school-aged children with OSA.
- The percentage of TST with adequate ETCO2 levels is another significant factor impacting BP in this population.
- Comprehensive assessment of polysomnographic data is crucial for evaluating BP risks and comorbidities in children with OSA.
Background:
Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk for high blood pressure (BP). Evidence suggests that arousals, total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency, oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels, inflammation, and body mass index (BMI) are associated with changes in BP. Yet, less is known about these relationships in school-aged children with OSA.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine factors associated with BP in school-aged children with OSA.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of 163 school-aged children (mean age of 7.15 ± 1.16, 62% black, 54.6% female) who participated in the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial.
Results:
Systolic BP (r = 0.21, p < .01) and diastolic BP (DBP; r = 0.22, p < .01) had a positive relationship with BMI percentiles. The relationship between BMI percentiles and DBP remained when accounting for race and OSA severity (β = 0.19, p = .02). DBP also had a positive relationship with the log percentage of TST with ETCO2 ≥50 mmHg (r = 0.23, p < .01) that persisted when accounting for BMI percentiles, OSA severity, and race (β = 0.23, p = .004). No other significant relationships were found.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest that BMI is a main driver of BP in school-aged children with OSA. Also, the percentage of TST with ETCO2 ≥50 mmHg impacted BP in this sample and further research is needed to explore mechanisms behind these relationships. Clinicians and researchers should advocate for the assessment of all polysomnographic findings when assessing the risk for elevated BP and other comorbidities in children with OSA.
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