Positional obstructive sleep apnea in an obese pediatric population

Positional therapy for the treatment of positional obstructive sleep apnea in children: A randomized controlled crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in children, but many children remain untreated. Up to one half of children with OSA have positional OSA, a phenotype characterized by the predominance of airway obstruction while supine. Positional devices that prevent sleeping supine may be beneficial for positional OSA. We evaluated the efficacy of positional devices for treating positional OSA in children.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a randomized crossover trial of children aged 4-18 years old with positional OSA. There were two treatment periods separated by 1-4 weeks. Each period consisted of a one-night in-laboratory polysomnogram with the experimental intervention (positional device with inflated cushions) or the inactive control (positional device with no cushions). The primary outcome was the difference in the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) between positional therapy and the control.

RESULTS

24 participants were randomized (median age = 9.0 years, 63% males). The adjusted relative percentage difference in the OAHI (positional therapy minus control) was -29.9% (95% CI -55.9% to 11.6%; p = 0.13). The adjusted relative percentage differences for the desaturation index, arousal index, and percentage of total sleep time supine were -23.4% (95% CI -45.0% to 6.7%; p = 0.11), -16.7% (95% CI -30.8% to 0.22%; p = 0.053), and -65.9% (95% CI -79.3% to -43.9%; p<0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in comfort scores or adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

Positional therapy reduced supine sleep time, but did not reduce the OAHI in all participants. Future studies with larger sample sizes to evaluate heterogeneity of treatment effects are warranted.

Positional obstructive sleep apnea in children prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing

Positional obstructive sleep apnea, in which there is a ≥ 2:1 predominance of obstructive events in the supine position, is a sleep-disordered breathing phenotype with a targeted treatment in the form of positional device therapy. We sought to determine the prevalence of positional obstructive sleep apnea in a cohort of children prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy, ascertain risk factors for the condition, and determine the associated continuous positive airway pressure treatment adherence rate. A retrospective cohort study of all children > 2 years old from a single tertiary paediatric centre prescribed continuous positive airway pressure therapy over an 8-year period was conducted. Positional obstructive sleep apnea prevalence was established by analysing positional and respiratory event data from the participants' original diagnostic polysomnography. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy adherence was determined using data from machine download. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine participant demographic and clinical factors associated with positional obstruction. Positional obstructive sleep apnea (defined by Bignold's criteria modified for paediatric use) prevalence in the cohort of 237 analysed participants was 38%. Suboptimal continuous positive airway pressure adherence was noted in 30% of this group based on initial machine download, performed a median of 96 days post-treatment initiation. Higher age and lower obstructive apnea-hypopnea index were independent predictors of positional obstructive sleep apnea, whereas neurodevelopmental diagnosis, presence/absence of rapid eye movement-related obstructive sleep apnea, overweight/obesity status and history of adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy were not. For children, positional device therapy is a treatment option worthy of further consideration and research.

Evaluating Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Risk Factors

Purpose

This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) among pediatric patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Patients and Methods

A total of 1,236 children aged 0 to 17 years who underwent nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) and completed the Sleep Questionnaire were included. After excluding those with an AHI <1, neurological or muscular disorders, or insufficient sleep time in specific positions, 908 patients remained: 158 with POSA and 750 with non-positional OSA (NPOSA). Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied at a 1:2 ratio, resulting in a final sample of 153 POSA and 306 NPOSA patients. Data analyses were performed using R software (version 4.2.3).

Results

The prevalence of POSA was 12.8%. After PSM, patients with POSA had a lower overall AHI (8.66 vs 10.30), REM-AHI (14.30 vs 17.40), and NREM-AHI (7.43 vs 8.77) compared to those with NPOSA. POSA patients also had a shorter total sleep time (411 vs 427 minutes), spent less time in the supine position (168 vs 225 minutes), and more time in non-supine positions (241 vs 202 minutes) than NPOSA patients. Additionally, while the supine AHI was higher in POSA patients (15.60 vs 10.30), the non-supine AHI was lower (5.00 vs 11.00) compared to NPOSA patients. The minimum oxygen saturation was slightly higher in POSA patients (0.88 vs 0.87). All differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Risk factors for POSA included mild OSA, allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and obesity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of POSA in children is lower than in adults, and its severity is less than that of NPOSA. Compared to NPOSA patients, POSA patients had significantly higher AHI during supine sleep and lower AHI during non-supine sleep. POSA patients also spent more time in non-supine positions, suggesting that avoiding supine sleep may help reduce apnea events. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing sleep posture in POSA patients.

Advances in Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing disorders are a group of common conditions, from habitual snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, affecting a significant proportion of children. The present article summarizes the current knowledge on diagnosis and treatment of pediatric OSA focusing on therapeutic and surgical advancements in the field in recent years. Advancements in OSA such as biomarkers, improving continuous pressure therapy adherence, novel pharmacotherapies, and advanced surgeries are discussed.

The latest on positive airway pressure for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important and evolving area in the pediatric population, with significant sequelae when not adequately managed. The use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is expanding rapidly and is being prescribed to patients with persistent OSA post adenotonsillectomy as well as those children who are not surgical candidates including those with medical complexity.

AREAS DISCUSSED

This article provides a state-of-the-art review on the diagnosis of pediatric OSA and treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP). The initiation of PAP therapy, pediatric interface considerations, PAP mode selection, administration and potential complications of PAP therapy, factors influencing PAP adherence, the use of remote ventilation machine downloads, considerations surrounding follow-up of patients post PAP initiation and evaluation of weaning off PAP will be reviewed. The literature search was conducted via PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases through to March 2024.

EXPERT OPINION

Further research is required to address barriers to adherence. Further innovation of home monitoring devices for both the diagnosis and assessment of OSA is required, given the limited pediatric sleep medicine resources in several countries worldwide.

Medical Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway. The prevalence is 1-4% in children aged between 2 and 8 years and rising due to the increase in obesity rates in children. Although persistent OSA following adenotonsillectomy is usually associated with obesity and underlying complex disorders, it can also affect otherwise healthy children. Medical treatment strategies are frequently required when adenotonsillectomy is not indicated in children with OSA or if OSA is persistent following adenotonsillectomy. Positive airway pressure treatment is a very effective modality for persistent OSA in childhood; however, adherence rates are low. The aim of this review article is to summarize medical treatment options for OSA in children.

Persistent obstructive sleep apnoea in children: treatment options and management considerations

Unresolved obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after an adenotonsillectomy, henceforth referred to as persistent OSA, is increasingly recognised in children (2-18 years). Although associated with obesity, underlying medical complexity, and craniofacial disorders, persistent OSA also occurs in otherwise healthy children. Inadequate treatment of persistent OSA can lead to long-term adverse health outcomes beyond childhood. Positive airway pressure, used as a one-size-fits-all primary management strategy for persistent childhood OSA, is highly efficacious but has unacceptably low adherence rates. A pressing need exists for a broader, more effective management approach for persistent OSA in children. In this Personal View, we discuss the use and the need for evaluation of current and novel therapeutics, the role of shared decision-making models that consider patient preferences, and the importance of considering the social determinants of health in research and clinical practice. A multipronged, comprehensive approach to persistent OSA might achieve better clinical outcomes in childhood and promote health equity for all children.

Residual OSA in Down syndrome: does body position matter?

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine children with Down syndrome with residual obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to determine if they are more likely to have positional OSA.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of children with Down syndrome who underwent adenotonsillectomy at a single tertiary children's hospital was conducted. Children with Down syndrome who had a postoperative polysomnogram with obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) > 1 event/h, following adenotonsillectomy with at least 60 minutes of total sleep time were included. Patients were categorized as mixed sleep (presence of ≥ 30 minutes of both nonsupine and supine sleep), nonsupine sleep, and supine sleep. Positional OSA was defined as an overall OAHI > 1 event/h and a supine OAHI to nonsupine OAHI ratio of ≥ 2. Group differences are tested via Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact tests for categorical.

RESULTS

There were 165 children with Down syndrome who met inclusion criteria, of which 130 individuals had mixed sleep. Patients who predominately slept supine had a greater OAHI than mixed and nonsupine sleep (P = .002). Sixty (46%) of the mixed-sleep individuals had positional OSA, of which 29 (48%) had moderate/severe OSA. Sleeping off their backs converted 14 (48%) of these 29 children from moderate/severe OSA to mild OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep physicians and otolaryngologists should be cognizant that the OAHI may be an underestimate if it does not include supine sleep. Positional therapy is a potential treatment option for children with residual OSA following adenotonsillectomy and warrants further investigation.

CITATION

Lackey TG, Tholen K, Pickett K, Friedman N. Residual OSA in Down syndrome: does body position matter? J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(1):171-177.

Cluster Analysis of Home Polygraphic Recordings in Symptomatic Habitually-Snoring Children: A Precision Medicine Perspective

(1) Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a frequent problem in children. Cluster analyses offer the possibility of identifying homogeneous groups within a large clinical database. The application of cluster analysis to anthropometric and polysomnographic measures in snoring children would enable the detection of distinctive clinically-relevant phenotypes; (2) Methods: We retrospectively collected the results of nocturnal home-based cardiorespiratory polygraphic recordings and anthropometric measurements in 326 habitually-snoring otherwise healthy children. K-medoids clustering was applied to standardized respiratory and anthropometric measures, followed by Silhouette-based statistics. Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) and oxygen desaturation index (≤3%) were included in determining the optimal number of clusters; (3) Results: Mean age of subjects was 8.1 ± 4.1 years, and 57% were males. Cluster analyses uncovered an optimal number of three clusters. Cluster 1 comprised 59.5% of the cohort (mean age 8.69 ± 4.14 years) with a mean RDI of 3.71 ± 3.23 events/hour of estimated sleep (e/ehSleep). Cluster 2 included 28.5% of the children (mean age 6.92 ± 3.43 years) with an RDI of 6.38 ± 3.92 e/ehSleep. Cluster 3 included 12% of the cohort (mean age 7.58 ± 4.73 years) with a mean RDI of 25.5 ± 19.4 e/ehSleep. Weight z-score was significantly lower in cluster 3 [-0.14 ± 1.65] than in cluster 2 [0.86 ± 1.78; p = 0.015] and cluster 1 [1.04 ± 1.78; p = 0.002]. Similar findings emerged for BMI z scores. However, the height z-score was not significantly different among the 3 clusters; (4) Conclusions: Cluster analysis of children who are symptomatic habitual snorers and are referred for clinical polygraphic evaluation identified three major clusters that differed in age, RDI, and anthropometric measures. An increased number of children in the cluster with the highest RDI had reduced body weight. We propose that the implementation of these approaches to a multicenter-derived database of home-based polygraphic recordings may enable the delineation of objective unbiased severity categories of pediatric SDB. Our findings could be useful for clinical implementation, formulation of therapeutic decision guidelines, clinical management, prevision of complications, and long-term follow-up.

Subtypes of obstructive sleep apnea in children and related factors

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of positional obstructive sleep apnea (P-OSA) and rapid eye movement-related OSA (REM-OSA) in children with OSA and identify related factors.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with OSA using overnight polysomnography (PSG) between August 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. Demographics, anthropometrics, PSG, and OSA-18 questionnaire data were recorded.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 474 children were available for analysis. Children had a median age of 4.8 (4.1, 6.4) years, 66.7% were male, and 23.2% were obese. The prevalence of P-OSA was 38.2% and that of REM-OSA was 43.0%. P-OSA was correlated with age and obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI; odds ratio [OR] = 1.172, 0.947; P = .005, < 0.001, respectively), but not sex, obesity, and adenoid and tonsil size (OR = 1.265, 0.785, 0.826, 0.989; P = .258, 0.327, 0.153, 0.905, respectively). REM-OSA was correlated with age, adenoid size, tonsil size, and OAHI (OR = 0.876, 1.320, 1.387, 1.021; P = .024, 0.040, 0.001, 0.042) but not with sex and obesity (OR = 0.910, 1.281; P = .643, 0.315).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of P-OSA was 38.2% and that of REM-OSA was 43.0% in children with OSA. Age was correlated with both the prevalence of P-OSA and REM-OSA, with an increasing and decreasing prevalence as children grew older, respectively. The severity of OSA was significantly associated with the prevalence of both P-OSA and REM-OSA. Adenoid and tonsil size were correlated with the prevalence of REM-OSA but not P-OSA. Obesity and sex were not associated with the prevalence of P-OSA or REM-OSA.

CITATION

Wu Y, Zheng L, Cui G, Xu Z, Ni X. Subtypes of obstructive sleep apnea in children and related factors. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2397-2404.

Prevalence, characteristics, and respiratory arousal threshold of positional obstructive sleep apnea in China: a large scale study from Shanghai Sleep Health Study cohort

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and respiratory arousal threshold (ArTH) of Chinese patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) according to the Cartwright Classification (CC) and Amsterdam Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea Classification (APOC).

Methods

A large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted in our sleep center from 2007 to 2018 to analyze the clinical and polysomnography (PSG) data of Chinese POSA patients. Low ArTH was defined based on PSG indices.

Results

Of 5,748 OSA patients, 36.80% met the CC criteria, and 42.88% the APOC criteria, for POSA. The prevalence of POSA was significantly higher in women than men (40.21% and 46.52% vs. 36.13% and 42.18% for CC and APOC, respectively). Chinese POSA patients had a lower apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and lower oxygen desaturation index, shorter duration of oxygen saturation (SaO₂) < 90%, and a higher mean SaO₂ and higher lowest SaO₂ value compared to subjects with non-positional OSA (NPOSA). More than 40% of the POSA patients had a low ArTH; the proportion was extremely high in the supine-isolated-POSA (si-POSA) group and APOC I group. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, higher mean SaO₂ and lower AHI during sleep were positive predictors of POSA.

Conclusions

According to the CC and APOC criteria, more than 1/3 of our Chinese subjects with OSA had POSA. Chinese POSA patients had less severe OSA and nocturnal hypoxia. Compared to NPOSA patients, significantly more patients with POSA had a low ArTH. A low ArTH may be an important endotype in the pathogenesis of POSA, especially in patients with si-POSA and APOC I. Further studies are necessary to develop personalized management strategies for POSA patients.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; No. ChiCTR1900025714 (retrospectively registered).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02141-3.

Positional device therapy for the treatment of positional obstructive sleep apnea in children: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

There is a critical gap in identifying effective interventions for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Positional OSA (POSA) is a common clinical phenotype whereby OSA occurs predominantly while sleeping in supine position. POSA may be amenable to treatment with a positional device, a belt worn around the chest with cushions on the back to prevent supine positioning, but no data exists in children. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of positional device therapy for the treatment of POSA in children.

METHODS

This observational study included children aged 4-18 years with POSA and an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) ≥ 5 events/hour on baseline polysomnogram (PSG) who underwent a second PSG to evaluate the efficacy of a positional device. The primary outcome was the change in OAHI.

RESULTS

Ten children were included (8 male, median age 11.2 years, median body mass index z-score 1.6). Compared to the baseline PSG, PSG data obtained while using a positional device showed a reduced median (interquartile range) OAHI (15.2 [8.3-25.6] versus 6.7 [1.0-13.7] events/hour respectively; p = 0.004) and percentage of total sleep time in supine position (54.4 [35.0-80.6]% versus 4.2 [1.1-25.2]% respectively; p = 0.04). Despite observed improvements in the oxygen desaturation index, these results were not statistically significant.

SIGNIFICANCE AND CONCLUSIONS

In this novel pilot study, positional device therapy was effective for the treatment of POSA. Positional device therapy may potentially change clinical practice as a cost-efficient and non-invasive treatment option for POSA.