Catathrenia in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome associated with 18q interstitial deletion

The clinical characteristic of catathrenia: a new look at an old issue-a systematic review of existing literature

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders categorized catathrenia as a respiratory disorder, but there are doubts whether episodes appear during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or the non-rapid eye movement (NREM), their duration, and symptoms. The main objectives were to identify the most common features and relations of catathrenia.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the ROBINS-I tools were chosen to assess the risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 288 records were identified, 31 articles were included. The majority of the studies had a moderate risk of bias. 49.57% of episodes occurred during the NREM sleep, while 46% took place during REM. In 60.34% females, catathrenia was more common in the NREM, while in 59.26% of males was in REM sleep (p < 0.05). Females and obese individuals were found to have shorter episodes (p < 0.05). Age was inversely correlated with minimal episodes duration (r =  - 0.34). The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was inversely correlated with the maximal episode duration (r =  - 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Catathrenia occurs with similar frequency in both genders. The most frequent symptoms embraced groaning, awareness of disturbing bedpartners, and daytime somnolence-not confirmed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The episodes occur more frequently in NREM than in REM sleep. Catathrenia may be considered as a sex-specific condition. The effects of CPAP treatment leading to shortening episodes duration, which may indicate the respiratory origin of catathrenia.

Lamentations in the night: A systematic review on catathrenia

Catathrenia is a loud expiratory moan during sleep that is a social embarrassment and is sometimes confused with central apnea on polysomnography. It affects about 4% of adults, but cases are rarely referred to sleep centers. Catathrenia affects males and females, children and adults, who are usually young and thin. A "typical" catathrenia begins with a deep inhalation, followed by a long, noisy exhalation, then a short, more pronounced exhalation, followed by another deep inhalation, often accompanied by arousal. The many harmonics of the sound indicate that it is produced by the vocal cords. It is often repeated in clusters, especially during REM sleep and at the end of the night. It does not disturb the sleepers, but their neighbors, and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in one-third of cases. The pathophysiology and treatment of typical catathrenia are still unknown. Later, a more atypical catathrenia was described, consisting of episodes of short (2 s), regular, semi-continuous expiratory moans during NREM sleep (mainly in stages N1 and N2) and REM sleep, often in people with mild upper airway obstruction. This atypical catathrenia is more commonly reduced by positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement devices that promote vertical opening.

Catathrenia in children: clinical presentation, polysomnographic features, natural history, and response to therapy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical presentation, polysomnographic appearance, and the response to therapy of catathrenia in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in children referred or evaluated at the Boston Children's Hospital Sleep Center between 1998 and 2021 who were documented to have catathrenia either as a chief complaint or an incidental finding.

RESULTS

Catathrenia was identified in 21 children. The age of onset by parent report was 6.4 ± 4.4 years (range: birth-14 years), but the diagnosis was at 8.3 ± 3.8 years (range: 1.5-14 years). Catathrenia was the chief complaint for 24% of patients and was incidentally identified in 76% referred for breathing concerns. Bruxism was observed in 62% of patients. Catathrenia events most often occur following an electrocortical arousal (79%) and are most common in the second half of the night (73%). Catathrenia was observed exclusively in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (16%), exclusively in non-REM sleep (32%), and in both sleep states (52%). Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea resulted in resolution or improvement in the obstructive sleep apnea in all patients, but the catathrenia persisted at a reduced level.

CONCLUSIONS

Most catathrenia in children is diagnosed incidentally during evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing, although the groaning often started many years earlier. Catathrenia events decreased considerably after treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, but persisted in all patients. Catathrenia was also observed in children without signs or symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, indicating that these are distinct conditions. The majority of children with catathrenia had no sleepiness or behavioral concerns.

CITATION

Katz ES, D'Ambrosio C. Catathrenia in children: clinical presentation, polysomnographic features, natural history, and response to therapy. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(8):1505-1511.

Diagnosis and management in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome: First international consensus statement

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, specific facial features, and marked autonomic nervous system dysfunction, especially with disturbances of regulating respiration and intestinal mobility. It is caused by variants in the transcription factor TCF4. Heterogeneity in the clinical and molecular diagnostic criteria and care practices has prompted a group of international experts to establish guidelines for diagnostics and care. For issues, for which there was limited information available in international literature, we collaborated with national support groups and the participants of a syndrome specific international conference to obtain further information. Here, we discuss the resultant consensus, including the clinical definition of PTHS and a molecular diagnostic pathway. Recommendations for managing particular health problems such as dysregulated respiration are provided. We emphasize the need for integration of care for physical and behavioral issues. The recommendations as presented here will need to be evaluated for improvements to allow for continued optimization of diagnostics and care.