Sleep architectures of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in the young child

Abstract

The sleep architectures of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in the young child (child-OSAS, n = 17; mean age: 5.9 ± 2.7 years; male : female 14 : 3) were compared with that of OSAS in the adult (n = 19; mean age: 44.7 ± 10.7 years; male : female 18 : 1) and that of primary snoring in the child (n = 5; mean age: 7.0 ± 2.4 years; male : female 5 : 0). Child-OSAS and OSAS in the adult had the same severity in oxygen desaturation. Child-OSAS showed lower Apnea–Hypopnea Index compared with OSAS in the adult. Sleep continuity in child-OSAS was not impaired compared with OSAS in the adult. Sleep fragmentation in child-OSAS was not so remarkable. The quantity of slow wave sleep in child-OSAS was similar to that of primary snoring in the child. Both profiles of sleep architectures showed nearly the same pattern.