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High prevalence of allergic sensitization in children with habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
S A McColley1, J L Carroll, S Curtis
1Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Insights
Allergic sensitization is common in children who habitually snore. Allergy presence increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Habitual snoring in children can be a sign of underlying respiratory issues.
- Allergic sensitization is a common condition in childhood, but its link to snoring and sleep apnea requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of allergic sensitization in children with habitual snoring.
- To determine if allergic sensitization predicts the development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children who snore.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 39 children with habitual snoring.
- Allergic sensitization was assessed using a multiantigen radioallergosorbent test (RAST).
- Nocturnal polysomnography was performed to diagnose and assess the severity of OSAS.
Main Results:
- 36% of children with habitual snoring showed allergic sensitization, a higher rate than expected.
- Children with positive RAST results had a significantly increased frequency of OSAS (57%) compared to those with negative results (40%).
Conclusions:
- Allergy is frequently observed in pediatric patients experiencing habitual snoring.
- The presence of allergy is associated with a higher risk of developing OSAS in children who snore.
Study Objective:
To determine whether allergic sensitization occurs frequently in children with habitual snoring and whether allergy predicts the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in snoring children.
Design:
Prospective study of 39 children with habitual snoring who were referred for polysomnography.
Setting:
Pediatric pulmonary sleep disorders clinic in a tertiary referral center.
Measurements:
Subjects underwent a complete history and physical examination. To assess for the presence of allergic sensitization, a multiantigen radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was performed on serum samples. Subjects then underwent nocturnal polysomnography to determine the presence and severity of OSAS.
Results:
Fourteen subjects (36%) demonstrated sensitivity to allergens; this is higher than expected for the general pediatric population. The frequency of OSAS was increased in subjects with positive RAST results compared to those with negative RAST results (57% vs 40%; chi 2 = 9.11; p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Allergy is frequently present in pediatric patients with habitual snoring. Furthermore, the presence of allergy is associated with an increased risk of OSAS in this population.