Sleep disorders in obese children are not limited to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation and Restoration: The Role of Melatonin

Sleep is an essential component of overall human health but is so tightly regulated that when disrupted can cause or worsen certain ailments. An important part of this process is the presence of the well-known hormone, melatonin. This compound assists in the governing of sleep and circadian rhythms. Previous studies have postulated that dysregulation of melatonin rhythms is the driving force behind sleep and circadian disorders. A computer-aided search spanning the years of 2015–2020 using the search terms melatonin, circadian rhythm, disorder yielded 52 full text articles that were analyzed. We explored the mechanisms behind melatonin dysregulation and how it affects various disorders. Additionally, we examined associated therapeutic treatments including bright light therapy (BLT) and exogenous forms of melatonin. We found that over the past 5 years, melatonin has not been widely investigated in clinical studies thus there remains large gaps in its potential utilization as a therapy.

Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in the obese and non-obese: Clinical, polysomnographical and clinical characteristics

INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) and childhood obesity are two high prevalence conditions that represent a public health challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between both and comparing child groups that had or did not have both conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study in children (3-14 years), referred to the "Multidisciplinary Sleep Unit" due to suspected SAHS, between 1 November 2015 and 1 August 2017. The following parameters were evaluated: anthropometry, symptoms, blood pressure, ear, nose, and throat examination, polysomnography (nocturnal PSG) and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

A total of 67 children were evaluated (64% non-obese (NOb) and 36% obese (Ob). It was observed that the Ob were older (P < .001), slept less hours (P = .028), did less physical exercise (P = .029), ate less in the school dining room (P = .009), had la lower sleep efficiency, and had abnormal values in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The children with SAHS were younger (P = .010), a high percentage of daytime sleepiness (P = .001), and breathing through the mouth (P = .006), greater percentile of diastolic blood pressure (P = .019) and a lower IGF-1 (P = .003) than those that did not have SAHS. The comparison of the SAHS NOb and SAHS Ob groups, showed that the first group were younger (P = .010), snored more (P = .012), had a more severe SAHS (IAH 13.1 vs 5.4, P = .041), and a higher GOT (P < .001). In the second group, they slept less hours P = .038) and showed lower values of glucose (P = .039), insulin (P < .001), and HOMA (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The behaviour of SAHS is different in obese children and non-obese children, with differences in age, clinical characteristics, severity of SAHS, and metabolic changes. The children diagnosed with SAHS were in the higher percentile of diastolic blood pressure. Obesity was associated with worse sleep quality, and changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea revisited: Perioperative considerations for the pediatric Anesthesiologist

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea presents in up to 7% of children and represents a constellation from nasal turbulence to cessation in gas exchange. There are numerous end organ sequelae including neurocognitive morbidity associated with persistent OSA. Adenotonsillectomy (AT), the first line therapy for pediatric OSA, has not been demonstrated to reduce all end organ morbidity, specifically neurological and behavioral morbidity. Furthermore, certain at-risk populations are at higher risk from neurocognitive morbidity. Precise knowledge and perioperative planning is required to ensure optimal evidence-based practices in children with OSA. This comprehensive review covers the seminal perioperative implications of OSA, including preoperative polysomnography, pharmacotherapeutics, and postoperative risk stratification.

[Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in the obese and non-obese: clinical, polysomnographical and clinical characteristics]

INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) and childhood obesity are la high prevalence conditions that represent a public health challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between both and comparing child groups that had or did not have both conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study in children (3-14 years), referred to the "Multidisciplinary Sleep Unit" due to suspected SAHS, between 1 November 2015 and 1 August 2017. The following parameters were evaluated: anthropometry, symptoms, blood pressure, ear, nose, and throat examination, polysomnography (nocturnal PSG) and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

A total of 67 children were evaluated (64% non-obese and 36% obese. It was observed that the obese were older (P<.001), slept less hours (P=.028), did less physical exercise (P=.029), ate less in the school dining room (P=.009), had la lower sleep efficiency, and had abnormal values in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The children with SAHS were younger (P=.010), a high percentage of daytime sleepiness (P=.001), and breathing through the mouth (P=.006), greater percentile of diastolic blood pressure (P=.019) and a lower IGF-1 (P=.003) than those that did not have SAHS. The comparison of the SAHS non-obese and SAHS obese groups, showed that the first group were younger (P=.010), snored more (P=.012), had a more severe SAHS (IAH 13.1 vs. 5.4, P=.041), and a higher GOT (P<.001). In the second group, they slept less hours P=.038) and showed lower values of glucose (P=.039), insulin (P<.001), and HOMA (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

The behaviour of SAHS is different in obese children and non-obese children, with differences in age, clinical characteristics, severity of SAHS, and metabolic changes. The children diagnosed with SAHS were in the higher percentile of diastolic blood pressure. Obesity was associated with worse sleep quality, and changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.