Morrison L, Suresh S, Leclerc MJ, Kapur N. Symptom care approach to non-invasive ventilatory support in children with complex neural disability.
J Clin Sleep Med 2021;
18:1145-1151. [PMID:
34928205 DOI:
10.5664/jcsm.9836]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients with severe neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Despite increasing use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in this group, there remains a lack of consensus about its role and indications. We aim to explore the indications, acceptability, and outcomes of a cohort of children with severe, complex neurological disability and SDB, managed with NIV.
METHODS
Data was retrospectively extracted on children with severe neurological disabilities (GMFCS V equivalent) initiated on NIV in Queensland over a 5-year period. Demographic, clinical, hospitalization, and polysomnography data was collected, as well as caregiver-reported side effects and NIV adherence.
RESULTS
Fourteen (median age 9.1 years; 6F) children were included, 8 with cerebral palsy and 6 with other complex neurological disabilities. Obstructive sleep apnea was the most common indication for NIV (n=12). The median (IQR) apnea-hypopnea index improved on NIV [Pre-NIV 21.3 (IQR 10.0-28.2) vs. Post-NIV 12.2 (IQR 2.8-15.2)], although this was not statistically significant. There was significant improvement in proportion of time spent with SpO2<95% (22.2% Pre-NIV vs. 7.85% Post-NIV; p<0.05). Reported side effects were minimal. There was no reduction in hospital admissions in the 12 months post-NIV initiation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that NIV improves polysomnography parameters among children with severe neurological disability. Long-term outcomes and overall impact on quality of life remain unclear. Ethical issues and overall benefit must be considered before embarking on this mode of therapy.
Collapse