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Central sleep apnea in obese children with sleep-disordered breathing

International Journal of Obesity volume 38, pages 27–31 (2014)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objectives:

In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) in obese children has received lesser attention. As pediatric CSA is more prevalent than expected and adversely impacts health, this study aims to elucidate the major factors associated with central apnea index (CAI) and compare CSA between obese and non-obese children.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis was performed in a tertiary referral medical center. Children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) ranging from 2–18 years old were enrolled. All participants completed history taking, otolaryngological examination and overnight polysomnography. CSA was defined as having CAI exceeding 1 h−1. CAI and the prevalence of CSA were analyzed in children of different age groups, weight statuses and adenotonsillar sizes.

Results:

A total of 487 cases were included. The prevalence of CSA was 13.3% (65/487). CAI was negatively correlated with age (r=−0.32, P<0.001). Obese children had a significantly lower CAI than that of non-obese ones (0.20±0.36 vs 0.48±0.82 h−1, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a relationship between CAI, age and obesity as ‘CAI=0.883–0.055 × Age –0.22 × (Obesity)’.

Conclusions:

In children with SDB, younger ones have a significantly higher CAI than older ones. Additionally, obese children had a lower CAI than non-obese ones.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staff of the Center of Sleep Disorder, National Taiwan University Hospital for their technical support. National Taiwan University Hospital, Grant No. NTUH.102-S2193.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    C H Chou, K T Kang & W C Hsu

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan

    C H Chou

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Health, Taipei Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan

    K T Kang

  4. Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

    K T Kang

  5. Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    W C Weng

  6. Sleep center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    P L Lee & W C Hsu

  7. Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    P L Lee

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  1. C H Chou
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Correspondence to W C Hsu.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Presented at the 7th Asian Sleep Research Society Congress (ASRS), Taipei, Taiwan, 30 November–2 December 2012.

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Chou, C., Kang, K., Weng, W. et al. Central sleep apnea in obese children with sleep-disordered breathing. Int J Obes 38, 27–31 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2013.184

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