Polygraphic Results in High-Risk Infants Aged Under 3 Months

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Sleep Medicine
• Neonatology

Background:

• Infants under three months hospitalized for suspected apneas undergo cardiorespiratory polygraphy (PG) for diagnosis.
• Understanding PG findings in this age group is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cardiorespiratory polygraphic study results in infants under three months hospitalized with suspected apneas.
• To compare PG findings across different diagnostic groups and identify risk factors for abnormal results.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 155 infants (<3 months) hospitalized between 2011-2023 for suspected apneas.
• Cardiorespiratory polygraphies were performed, and data on demographics, PG values, and diagnoses were collected and analyzed.
• Statistical tests including Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Fisher, Spearman's rho, and logistic regression were used to evaluate associations.

Main Results:

• The study included 155 infants, with 52.3% being premature. Common diagnoses included brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE), apnea of prematurity, hypotonic syndrome, laryngomalacia (LGM), and craniofacial alterations (CFA).
• 21.9% of polygraphies showed abnormal results, with 44.1% indicating an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/h and 20.6% showing SpO2 ≤ 90%.
• Patients with CFA and LGM had a significantly higher risk of abnormal polygraph findings compared to those with apnea of prematurity and BRUE, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Cardiorespiratory polygraphy is feasible and effective in infants under three months with suspected apneas, confirming apnea presence and severity.
• Abnormal polygraphic indices are common in this population, with significant variations between diagnostic groups.
• Infants with CFA and LGM require particular attention due to their elevated risk of abnormal sleep study results, suggesting potential age-specific apnea patterns warranting further investigation.