Sleep Problems in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Impact on Motor, Cognitive, and Pulmonary Parameters

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep parameters and motor performance, cognitive status, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).MethodChildren with DMD aged 5-12 years who were able to walk independently were included in the study. Sleep problems were assessed using a parent-proxy tool, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire-sleep-related breathing disorders (PSQ-SRBD) was used to assess sleep-disordered breathing. Motor performance was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test and muscle strength assessments. Cognitive status was assessed by performing dual tasks, including both motor-motor and cognitive-motor tasks. Spirometry was used to measure pulmonary function.ResultsA total of 39 children with DMD (mean age: 9.03 ± 1.88 years) were included. The mean CSHQ total score was 44.79 ± 6.32 points, and 64.1% (n = 25) of the children had sleep problems. The PSQ-SRBD scores did not indicate a significantly increased risk of SRBD (median: 0.15 (IQR: 0.09-0.27)); only 15.4% (n = 6) of the children were found to be at increased risk. No significant associations were found between sleep problems and motor, cognitive, or pulmonary parameters (p > .05).ConclusionBehavioral sleep problems were found to be highly prevalent in children in the early stages of DMD; however, there was no correlation between sleep problems and clinical parameters. Children with DMD should be screened for sleep problems at an early stage, before any deterioration in clinical parameters or symptoms of sleep disturbances is expected.