1
|
Economou NT, Ferini-Strambi L, Steiropoulos P. Sleep-Related Drug Therapy in Special Conditions: Children. Sleep Med Clin 2022; 17:531-542. [PMID: 36150812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacologic treatment of the most common pediatric sleep disorders lacks evidence, and alternative methods, which have been proved to alleviate the symptoms, are preferred in most cases. The implementation of specific guidelines is of great importance because sleep disorders in children are not rare and they can negatively affect children's development and their cognitive and social skills. This article summarizes the current therapeutic management of sleep disorders in children, bearing in mind the absence of evidence-based guidelines on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas-Tiberio Economou
- Sleep Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, 74 Vas Sofias Avenue, Athens 11528, Greece; Enypnion Sleep-Epilepsy Center, Bioclinic Hospital Athens, 15 M. Geroulanou Street, Athens 11524, Greece
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan 20127, Italy
| | - Paschalis Steiropoulos
- Department of Pulmonology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Dragana, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ono H, Kanbayashi T, Imanishi A, Ayabe T, Sagawa Y, Tsutsui K, Ohmori Y, Takeshima M, Nishino S, Shimizu T. Clinical characteristics of symptomatic narcolepsy or hypersomnia: an analysis of 182 consecutive cases with neurological disorders associated with hypersomnolence. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2019; 17:123-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s41105-018-0186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
3
|
Abstract
Sleep disorders in children may lead to neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive deficits; it is important to diagnose and treat them properly. Apart from the existing challenges in diagnosis, another drawback is that few therapies are currently approved. In this article, a comprehensive summary of the most common pediatric sleep disorders, along with the various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches for their management, is presented. Special attention has been paid to the currently available treatment options for pediatric insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, parasomnias, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome, and comparisons are made with the corresponding treatment options for sleep disorders in adults.
Collapse
|
4
|
Maski K, Owens JA. Insomnia, parasomnias, and narcolepsy in children: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Lancet Neurol 2017; 15:1170-81. [PMID: 27647645 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sleep problems are frequently encountered as presenting complaints in child neurology clinical practice. They can affect the functioning and quality of life of children, particularly those with primary neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, since coexisting sleep problems can add substantially to neurocognitive and behavioural comorbidities. Additionally, symptoms of some sleep disorders such as parasomnias and narcolepsy can be confused with those of other neurological disorders (eg, epilepsy), posing diagnostic challenges for paediatric neurologists. The understanding of the neurophysiology of sleep disorders such as insomnia, parasomnias, and narcolepsy is still evolving. There is a complex relation between the sleeping brain and its waking function. The interplay among genetic factors, alterations in neurotransmitters, electrophysiological changes, and environmental factors potentially contribute to the genesis of these sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Maski
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith A Owens
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thannickal TC. Hypocretin (orexin) pathology in Alzheimer’s disease. World J Neurol 2015; 5:64-67. [DOI: 10.5316/wjn.v5.i3.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing health problem. It has enormous public health impact. Sleep problems show an early component of this disease. Hypocretin has a major function in sleep-wake cycle. The total number of hypocretin neurons in the normal humans ranges from 51000-83000, located exclusively in the hypothalamus. Deficiency in hypocretins neurotransmission results in narcolepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological and psychological disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin levels were directly related with t-tau protein amount in AD. Increased hypocretin CSF in AD suggest that hypocretin is involved in the mechanism of AD pathology.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mainio A, Hakko H, Niemelä A, Koivukangas J, Räsänen P. Insomnia among brain tumor patients: a population-based prospective study of tumor patients in northern Finland. J Psychosoc Oncol 2013; 31:507-16. [PMID: 24010529 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2013.822048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with neurological diseases often suffer from sleep disturbances. Insomnia among adult brain tumor patients has usually been studied as part of quality-of-life studies, or some case reports on insomnia in these patients have been described. The authors aimed to study insomnia in a prospective study setting among patients with primary brain tumors and evaluate whether insomnia is related to tumor laterality. Entire study population consisted of 70 patients with a solitary primary supratentorial brain tumor treated surgically at the Clinic for Neurosurgery, Oulu University Hospital. The overall functional state of the patients was assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale, depression was measured by Beck Depression Inventory, and insomnia by Nottingham Health Profile. Repeated measurements were assessed before tumor operation as well as 3 months and one year after surgery. Prevalence of insomnia among patients with a primary brain tumor waiting for surgery was higher compared to general population, but level of insomnia significantly decreased as soon as 3 months after tumor operation. Patients with a bilateral primary brain tumor had significantly more often insomnia without comorbid depression compared to patients with a left or right tumor for up to one year after operation. The authors suggest that insomnia among patients with a bilateral brain tumor may not be associated with depression but have other biological background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arja Mainio
- a University of Oulu, Department of Psychiatry, and Oulu University Hospital , Department of Psychiatry , Oulu , Finland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
This review summarizes the brain mechanisms controlling sleep and wakefulness. Wakefulness promoting systems cause low-voltage, fast activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Multiple interacting neurotransmitter systems in the brain stem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain converge onto common effector systems in the thalamus and cortex. Sleep results from the inhibition of wake-promoting systems by homeostatic sleep factors such as adenosine and nitric oxide and GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, resulting in large-amplitude, slow EEG oscillations. Local, activity-dependent factors modulate the amplitude and frequency of cortical slow oscillations. Non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep results in conservation of brain energy and facilitates memory consolidation through the modulation of synaptic weights. Rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep results from the interaction of brain stem cholinergic, aminergic, and GABAergic neurons which control the activity of glutamatergic reticular formation neurons leading to REM sleep phenomena such as muscle atonia, REMs, dreaming, and cortical activation. Strong activation of limbic regions during REM sleep suggests a role in regulation of emotion. Genetic studies suggest that brain mechanisms controlling waking and NREM sleep are strongly conserved throughout evolution, underscoring their enormous importance for brain function. Sleep disruption interferes with the normal restorative functions of NREM and REM sleep, resulting in disruptions of breathing and cardiovascular function, changes in emotional reactivity, and cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritchie E Brown
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, Brockton, Massachusetts 02301, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nolan VG, Gapstur R, Gross CR, Desain LA, Neglia JP, Gajjar A, Klosky JL, Merchant TE, Stovall M, Ness KK. Sleep disturbances in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. Qual Life Res 2013; 22:781-9. [PMID: 22669471 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-012-0208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study are to compare self-reported sleep quality in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors and a population-based comparison group, to identify treatment-related factors associated with sleep disturbances, and to identify the impact of post-treatment obesity and depression on sleep scores in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. METHODS Randomly selected adult survivors of childhood brain tumors (n = 78) and age-, sex-, and zip code-matched population-group members (n = 78) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Sleep quality and the effect of demographic, treatment, and post-treatment characteristics were evaluated with linear and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Brain tumor survivors were 2.7 (95% CI, 1.1, 6.5) times more likely than the comparison group to take greater than 30 min to fall asleep. Females in both groups reported worse sleep quality and impaired daytime functioning. Among survivors, post-treatment obesity was associated with daytime dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS These results agree with previous studies associating sleep, sex, and obesity and identified longer sleep latency as being a problem among childhood brain tumor survivors. Further study identifying factors contributing to sleep latency, and its impact on quality of life among adult survivors of childhood brain tumors is needed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Nishino
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Sleep Research Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gapstur R, Gross CR, Ness K. Factors associated with sleep-wake disturbances in child and adult survivors of pediatric brain tumors: a review. Oncol Nurs Forum 2010; 36:723-31. [PMID: 19887361 DOI: 10.1188/09.onf.723-731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To identify factors associated with sleep-wake disturbances in pediatric and adult survivors (aged older than 18 years) of pediatric brain tumors. DATA SOURCES A computerized literature search was completed using MEDLINE, CINAHL, CancerLit, Dissertation Abstracts International, and PsycINFO. The search and a personal communication with one author discovered 25 English-language research articles and case reports describing sleep-wake patterns in brain tumor survivors from 1966-2008. DATA SYNTHESIS Disease- and treatment-related factors from direct injury to the hypothalamus results in irregular melatonin secretion and low hypocretin levels. This contributes to decreased daytime alertness, which remains the most reported sleep-wake disturbance in brain tumor survivors. Patients with craniopharyngiomas, radiation dose more than 3,500 cGy, and younger age at time of treatment experienced more severe sleep dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Patients with brain tumors experience a disruption of sleep-wake patterns associated with major dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, affecting both Process S (homeostasis) and Process C (circadian) from the Two-Process Model of Sleep Regulation. Various demographic-, disease-, and treatment-related variables are involved in driving the onset of sleep disturbances. Interventions are needed to improve daytime function and decrease the effect of sleep disturbances on quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Current sleep literature has identified patterns of sleep disturbances in cross-sectional studies of brain tumor survivors. Rigorous longitudinal designs are needed for future studies to detect onset patterns and trajectory of sleep-wake disorders. Intervention studies are needed to impact excessive daytime sleepiness, irregular sleeping and waking patterns, and other identified sleep-wake disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna Gapstur
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
|
13
|
Abstract
Since their discovery in 1998, the hypocretins (orexins)-peptides that are produced by a group of neurons situated in the posterolateral hypothalamus--have been shown to excite many CNS areas including many neuronal systems that regulate sleep and wakefulness. Animal studies indicate that hypocretins play a part in the regulation of various functions including arousal, muscle tone, locomotion, regulation of feeding behaviour, and neuroendocrine and autonomic functions. A link between hypocretin deficiency and narcoleptic symptoms was first shown in canine and rodent models of narcolepsy. Hypocretin deficiency, as shown by low or absent concentrations in CSF, was subsequently found in 90% of patients with sporadic narcolepsy-cataplexy, and less commonly in familial narcolepsy. In most other sleep-wake and neurological disorders, hypocretin concentrations are normal. Low concentrations were also found in hypothalamic disorders, acute traumatic brain injury, and a few other disorders. The exact function of the hypocretin system in sleep-wake regulation and its pathophysiological role in hypocretin-deficient and non-deficient narcolepsy as well as in non-narcoleptic, hypocretin-deficiency syndromes remain unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian R Baumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Hypothalamic excitatory hypocretin (orexin) neurons have been discovered in 1998 and found to have widespread projections to basal forebrain, monoaminergic and cholinergic brainstem, and spinal cord regions. The hypocretin system is influenced both neuronally (e.g. suprachiasmatic nucleus, GABAergic, cholinergic and aminergic brainstem nuclei) as well as metabolically (e.g. glucose, ghrelin, and leptin). Physiologically the hypocretin system has been implicated in the regulation of behaviours that are associated with wakefulness, locomotion, and feeding. A role in REM sleep, neuroendocrine, autonomic and metabolic functions has also been suggested. Pathophysiologically a deficient hypocretin neurotransmission has been found in human narcolepsy and (engineered) animal models of the disorder. Different mechanisms are involved including (1) degeneration of hypocretin neurons (mice), (2) hypocretin ligand deficiency (humans, mice, dogs), (3) hypocretin receptor deficiency (mice, dogs). Reports of low hypocretin-1 cerebrospinal fluid levels in neurologic conditions (e.g. Guillain-Barré syndrome, traumatic brain injury, hypothalamic lesions) with and without sleep-wake disturbances and, on the other hand, observations of normal levels in about 11% of narcoleptics raise questions about the exact nature and pathophysiological base of the link between hypocretin deficiency and clinical manifestations in human narcolepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian R Baumann
- Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Human narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder affecting 1:2000 individuals. The disease is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy and other abnormal manifestations of REM sleep, such as sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Recently, it was discovered that the pathophysiology of (idiopathic) narcolepsy-cataplexy is linked to hypocretin ligand deficiency in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as the positivity of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR2/DQ6 (DQB1*0602). The symptoms of narcolepsy can also occur during the course of other neurological conditions (i.e. symptomatic narcolepsy). We define symptomatic narcolepsy as those cases that meet the International Sleep Disorders Narcolepsy Criteria, and which are also associated with a significant underlying neurological disorder that accounts for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and temporal associations. To date, we have counted 116 symptomatic cases of narcolepsy reported in literature. As, several authors previously reported, inherited disorders (n=38), tumors (n=33), and head trauma (n=19) are the three most frequent causes for symptomatic narcolepsy. Of the 116 cases, 10 are associated with multiple sclerosis, one case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and relatively rare cases were reported with vascular disorders (n=6), encephalitis (n=4) and degeneration (n=1), and hererodegenerative disorder (three cases in a family). EDS without cataplexy or any REM sleep abnormalities is also often associated with these neurological conditions, and defined as symptomatic cases of EDS. Although it is difficult to rule out the comorbidity of idiopathic narcolepsy in some cases, review of the literature reveals numerous unquestionable cases of symptomatic narcolepsy. These include cases with HLA negative and/or late onset, and cases in which the occurrences of the narcoleptic symptoms are parallel with the rise and fall of the causative disease. A review of these cases (especially those with brain tumors), illustrates a clear picture that the hypothalamus is most often involved. Several cases of symptomatic cataplexy (without EDS) were also reported and in contrast, these cases appear to be often associated with non-hypothalamic structures. CSF hypocretin-1 measurement were also carried out in a limited number of symptomatic cases of narcolepsy/EDS, including narcolepsy/EDS associated with tumors (n=5), head trauma (n=3), vascular disorders (n=5), encephalopathies (n=3), degeneration (n=30), demyelinating disorder (n=7), genetic/congenital disorders (n=11) and others (n=2). Reduced CSF hypocretin-1 levels were seen in most symptomatic narcolepsy cases of EDS with various etiologies and EDS in these cases is sometimes reversible with an improvement of the causative neurological disorder and an improvement of the hypocretin status. It is also noted that some symptomatic EDS cases (with Parkinson diseases and the thalamic infarction) appeared, but they are not linked with hypocretin ligand deficiency. In contrast to idiopathic narcolepsy cases, an occurrence of cataplexy is not tightly associated with hypocretin ligand deficiency in symptomatic cases. Since CSF hypocretin measures are still experimental, cases with sleep abnormalities/cataplexy are habitually selected for CSF hypocretin measures. Therefore, it is still not known whether all or a large majority of cases with low CSF hypocretin-1 levels with CNS interventions, exhibit EDS/cataplexy. It appears that further studies of the involvement of the hypocretin system in symptomatic narcolepsy and EDS are helpful to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms for the occurrence of EDS and cataplexy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Nishino
- Center for Narcolepsy, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nokura K, Kanbayashi T, Ozeki T, Koga H, Zettsu T, Yamamoto H, Ozaki N, Shimizu T, Kawase T. Hypersomnia, asterixis and cataplexy in association with orexin A-reduced hypothalamic tumor. J Neurol 2004; 251:1534-5. [PMID: 15645360 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-004-0575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2004] [Revised: 06/02/2004] [Accepted: 06/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
17
|
Yoshikawa S, Suzuki S, Kanbayashi T, Nishino S, Tamai H. Hypersomnia and low cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin levels in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Pediatr Neurol 2004; 31:367-70. [PMID: 15519122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2004.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2004] [Accepted: 05/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old Japanese female diagnosed as having acute disseminated encephalomyelitis presented seizures, visual symptoms, and hypersomnia with bilateral lesions in the white matter, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus. Her clinical findings and demonstrated lesions in neuroimages were similar to those of Von Economo's encephalitis lethargica. Her hypocretin, the hypothalamic neuropeptide controlling sleep-awake cycle, was significantly low in the cerebrospinal fluid (146 pg/mL) on admission. Successive measures resulted in the gradual recovery of cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin to the normal range (263 pg/mL) as her excessive daytime sleepiness was reduced. Decreased hypothalamic hypocretin neurotransmission may be involved in this symptomatic case of hypersomnia associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Collapse
|
18
|
ABE M, KANBAYASHI T, OGAWA Y, AIZAWA R, ISHIKAWA H, TAKEMURA T, KONDO H, SHIMIZU T. Hypocretin levels in patients with primary hypersomnia and OSAS, and secondary hypersomnia due to hypocretin deficiency. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-8425.2004.00110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
19
|
Abstract
We present a patient with cerebral lymphoma who developed a selective circadian rhythm disturbance. Treatment with modafinil led to a considerable improvement in quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Spathis
- Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a disorder of impaired expression of wakefulness and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. This manifests as excessive daytime sleepiness and expression of individual physiological correlates of REM sleep that include cataplexy and sleep paralysis (REM sleep atonia intruding into wakefulness), impaired maintenance of REM sleep atonia (e.g. REM sleep behaviour disorder [RBD]), and dream imagery intruding into wakefulness (e.g. hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations). Excessive sleepiness typically begins in the second or third decade followed by expression of auxiliary symptoms. Only cataplexy exhibits a high specificity for diagnosis of narcolepsy. While the natural history is poorly defined, narcolepsy appears to be lifelong but not progressive. Mild disease severity, misdiagnoses or long delays in cataplexy expression often cause long intervals between symptom onset, presentation and diagnosis. Only 15-30% of narcoleptic individuals are ever diagnosed or treated, and nearly half first present for diagnosis after the age of 40 years. Attention to periodic leg movements (PLM), sleep apnoea and RBD is particularly important in the management of the older narcoleptic patient, in whom these conditions are more likely to occur. Diagnosis requires nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) followed by multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). The NPSG of a narcoleptic patient may be totally normal, or demonstrate the patient has a short nocturnal REM sleep latency, exhibits unexplained arousals or PLM. The MSLT diagnostic criteria for narcolepsy include short sleep latencies (<8 minutes) and at least two naps with sleep-onset REM sleep. Treatment includes counselling as to the chronic nature of narcolepsy, the potential for developing further symptoms reflective of REM sleep dyscontrol, and the hazards associated with driving and operating machinery. Elderly narcoleptic patients, despite age-related decrements in sleep quality, are generally less sleepy and less likely to evidence REM sleep dyscontrol. Nonpharmacological management also includes maintenance of a strict wake-sleep schedule, good sleep hygiene, the benefits of afternoon naps and a programme of regular exercise. Thereafter, treatment is highly individualised, depending on the severity of daytime sleepiness, cataplexy and sleep disruption. Wake-promoting agents include the traditional psychostimulants. More recently, treatment with the 'activating' antidepressants and the novel wake-promoting agent modafinil has been advocated. Cataplexy is especially responsive to antidepressants which enhance synaptic levels of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and/or serotonin. Obstructive sleep apnoea and PLMs are more common in narcolepsy and should be suspected when previously well controlled older narcolepsy patients exhibit a worsening of symptoms. The discovery that narcolepsy/cataplexy results from the absence of neuroexcitatory properties of the hypothalamic hypocretin-peptidergic system will significantly advance understanding and treatment of the symptom complex in the future.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Neurologic disorders may present or masquerade as pediatric sleep problems and fool the pediatrician, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. Many of the sleep problems in children with neurologic disorders arise directly from primary dysfunction or delayed maturation of their sleep-wake regulation systems. It is important to realize that nocturnal frontal lobe seizures or cluster headaches can be mistaken for night terrors, and craniopharyngiomas or myotonic dystrophy may present as narcolepsy-cataplexy. Hypothalamic dysfunction may explain not only the impaired circadian rhythm disorders in children with profound mental retardation but also excessive sleepiness and hyperphagia in Prader-Willi and Kleine-Levin syndromes. Intellectually challenged children perform better, learn more, and are better behaved with sufficient restorative sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Grigg-Damberger
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10 5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep is a complex neurologic process that is generated by and primarily benefits the brain. Sleep can be disrupted by a wide range of brain injuries, many of which may occur in children with neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS). The specific sleep problems that have been associated with brain injuries include sleepiness, apnea, insomnia, and loss of circadian rhythmicity. The objective of this study was to characterize the sleep problems seen in children with neoplasms of the CNS through a comprehensive clinical and objective sleep evaluation. METHODS A retrospective case series review was conducted of all children with neoplasms of the CNS referred to the sleep clinic for a clinical evaluation between 1994 and 2002. The sleep evaluation of the 14 children in this report included a sleep history, a sleep log, and a polysomnogram. In the 12 children with complaints of daytime sleepiness and/or fatigue, a multiple sleep latency test was performed the day after the polysomnogram. Three children also had a 2-week actigraphic study. RESULTS The most common sleep complaint in this group of children was excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), present in 9 of the 14 children. In these children, the sleepiness was manifest by 1 or more of the following symptoms: 1) an increase in total sleep time per 24 hours; 2) the resumption of daytime naps that had been previously discontinued at a younger age; 3) an inability to awaken in the morning to begin the days activities; or 4) the inability to remain awake during activities of daily living, such as school. Of the 9 children with daytime sleepiness, 8 had brain tumors requiring neurosurgical procedures at the time of their diagnosis, 6 of whom required ventricular shunting. The children with the most severe sleepiness had evidence of hypothalamic/pituitary injury with deficiencies in both anterior and posterior pituitary hormones. Five of the children with EDS had polysomnographic evidence of symptomatic narcolepsy with rapid eye movement sleep present on 2 or more of the daytime naps. The symptoms of EDS were effectively controlled with modest doses of daytime stimulant medication and/or scheduled naps. Central apnea leading to respiratory insufficiency and requiring mechanical ventilation to correct was present in 2 children with tumors involving the medulla. Although snoring with possible obstructive sleep apnea was the reason for referral to the sleep clinic in 5 children, none of the children in this series had polysomnographic evidence of significant obstructive sleep apnea. The other sleep problems seen in these children were hypoxia in 2 children, fatigue in 3 children, and seizures during sleep in 1 child. The interval between tumor diagnosis and sleep evaluation varied from 0 months to 9 years (mean: 42 months). The treatment of the sleep problems of this group of children took many forms, including stimulants, scheduled naps, mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen, and anticonvulsants. CONCLUSIONS Brain injuries, which invariably are present in children with neoplasms of the CNS, may result in a variety of diagnosable and treatable sleep disorders. The sleep symptoms did not appear to be directly related to the specific therapy the child received, nor the presence of residual tumor. Rather, the primary determinant of the sleep symptoms was the area of the brain that was damaged, regardless of how the damage occurred. Children who sustained damage to the hypothalamic/pituitary region developed EDS regardless of whether the damage was the result of the tumor, surgery, hydrocephalus, or radiation to the whole brain or localized to the suprasellar area. The only children who developed respiratory insufficiency had an injury to the medulla. This observation is consistent with the view that sleep is a specific, albeit complex, neurologic process that is controlled by specific brain regions. EDS and respiratory insufficiency were the most commonly diagnosed severe sleep disorders in these children. The sleep problems of children with brain tumors may develop before, but more often soon after, their tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, the sleep symptoms may not be appreciated by medical providers until years after their onset, which may delay the beginning of effective interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Rosen
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorder Center, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a common cause of chronic sleepiness distinguished by intrusions into wakefulness of physiological aspects of rapid eye movement sleep such as cataplexy and hallucinations. Recent advances provide compelling evidence that narcolepsy may be a neurodegenerative or autoimmune disorder resulting in a loss of hypothalamic neurons containing the neuropeptide orexin (also known as hypocretin). Because orexin promotes wakefulness and inhibits rapid eye movement sleep, its absence may permit inappropriate transitions between wakefulness and sleep. These discoveries have considerably improved our understanding of the neurobiology of sleep and should foster the development of rational treatments for a variety of sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Scammell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder of EDS. All patients experience EDS. Other symptoms include cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, and disrupted nocturnal sleep. Treatment, usually with stimulants and low-doses of antidepressant medications, can dramatically improve the patient's quality of life. Although only advanced practice nurses may be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, all nurses can encourage their patients who complain of EDS to consult a specialist in sleep disorders medicine, provide emotional support after diagnosis, and educate patients and their families about narcolepsy and its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Rogers
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 420 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Snow A, Gozal E, Malhotra A, Tiosano D, Perlman R, Vega C, Shahar E, Gozal D, Hochberg Z, Pillar G. Severe hypersomnolence after pituitary/hypothalamic surgery in adolescents: clinical characteristics and potential mechanisms. Pediatrics 2002; 110:e74. [PMID: 12456941 DOI: 10.1542/peds.110.6.e74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After resection of hypothalamic/pituitary tumors, children are at risk for development of hormonal deficiencies, obesity, and hypersomnolence. However, the prevalence and pathophysiology of these complications are unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of hypersomnolence in children after resection of pituitary tumors and to study the potential factors that contribute to this sleepiness if present. We further hypothesized that decrements in orexin levels may contribute to the sleepiness. METHODS Six children who underwent hypothalamic/pituitary surgery were identified. Five of these patients and 5 matched control subjects underwent overnight polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency test. Children who had a primary sleep disorder (eg, obstructive sleep apnea) underwent treatment and were restudied subsequently (n = 2). Blood levels of pituitary hormones were measured. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were drawn from 4 patients and 3 control subjects to measure orexin levels. RESULTS Endocrine control was appropriate in all children. Although patients had longer sleep duration but similar sleep efficiency than control subjects, relatively severe daytime somnolence was present (mean sleep latency: 10.3 +/- 5.3 minutes vs 26.2 +/- 1.1 minute in control subjects). Sleepiness did not correlate with body mass index or age. Furthermore, serum and CSF orexin levels did not differ between patients and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Severe daytime sleepiness is frequent among children who undergo pituitary/hypothalamic surgery and does not seem to result from inappropriate cortisol or thyroxine replacement, disturbed nocturnal sleep, or low levels of orexin in the serum or CSF. We therefore speculate that other, unidentified neurohormonal mechanisms may mediate the excessive sleepiness of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Snow
- Department of Pediatrics A and Sleep Laboratory, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Narcolepsy secondary to other neurologic processes has been recently associated with hypocretin (orexin) deficiency. We present a patient who developed a narcoleptic-like sleep disorder after receiving treatment for a choroid plexus carcinoma of the pineal gland. She underwent a pinealectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. The primary features of this condition were excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Increased percentage of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and sleep onset REM periods were seen during the multiple sleep latency test. Circadian rhythmicity was preserved for melatonin and cortisol. She was negative for human leukocyte antigen DQB1*0602 and had a detectable cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin level (518 pg/ml). We emphasize that the narcoleptic-like disorder likely resulted from the surgical intervention or radiation therapy. Her symptoms are caused by an unknown mechanism unrelated to hypocretin depletion which merits more research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lois E Krahn
- Mayo Sleep Disorder Center, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Kubota H, Kanbayashi T, Tanabe Y, Takanashi JI, Kohno Y. A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis presenting hypersomnia with decreased hypocretin level in cerebrospinal fluid. J Child Neurol 2002; 17:537-9. [PMID: 12269735 DOI: 10.1177/088307380201700713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A 12-year-old girl was diagnosed as having acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and manifested hypersomnia as the main clinical feature. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lesions in the bilateral hypothalamus in addition to other multifocal brain lesions involving the cerebral white matter, brain stem, and basal ganglia. The level of hypocretin in cerebrospinal fluid was decreased in this patient. Corticosteroid treatment resulted in improvement of the hypersomnia and resolution of MRI lesions in the hypothalamus and other regions. This case suggests that the arousal state control mechanism related to the hypocretin peptide/receptor system may be impaired in some patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Kubota
- Chiba Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Pediatric sleep physiology begins with development of the sleep/wake cycle, and the origins of active versus quiet sleep. The 24-hour circadian cycle becomes established at 3 to 6 months. Sleep disorders are rationally approached in pediatrics as age-related. Disorders during infancy commonly include mild, usually self-limited conditions such as sleep-onset association disorder, excessive nighttime feedings, and poor limit-setting. These require behavioral management to avoid long-term deleterious sleep habits. In contrast, other sleep disorders are more ominous, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), central congenital hypoventilation syndrome, and sleep apnea. Childhood is generally the golden age of sleep, with brief latency, high efficiency, and easy awakening. Parasomnias, sometimes stage specific, are manifest here. Adolescents have sleep requirements similar to preteens, posing a challenge for them to adapt to school schedules and lifestyles. Narcolepsy, usually diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood, is a lifelong sleep disorder that has led to the identification of the hypocretin/orexin neurotransmitter system. This will lead to enhanced understanding of what regulates stage rapid eye movement, and to novel therapeutic advances for hypersomnolence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Pearl
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010-2970, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
|