The Link between Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Obstructive sleep apnea and mental disorders: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and several mental disorders. However, further research is required to determine whether these associations are causal. Therefore, we evaluated the bidirectional causality between the genetic liability for OSA and nine mental disorders by using Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHOD

We performed two-sample bidirectional MR of genetic variants for OSA and nine mental disorders. Summary statistics on OSA and the nine mental disorders were extracted from the FinnGen study and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. The primary analytical approach for estimating causal effects was the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), with the weighted median and MR Egger as complementary methods. The MR Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, Rucker's Q test, and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test were used for sensitivity analyses.

RESULT

MR analyses showed that genetic liability for major depressive disorder (MDD) was associated with an increased risk of OSA (odds ratio [OR] per unit increase in the risk of MDD, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1.49; P < 0.001). In addition, genetic liability for OSA may be associated with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.56; p = 0.032). There was no evidence that OSA is associated with other mental disorders.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that genetic liability for MDD is associated with an increased risk of OSA without a bidirectional relationship. Additionally, there was suggestive evidence that genetic liability for OSA may have a causal effect on ADHD. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention strategies targeting OSA and ADHD. Further research is needed to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying our findings and the relationship between OSA and other mental disorders.

Malocclusions, Sleep Bruxism, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Pediatric ADHD Patients: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Literature presents conflicting results regarding malocclusions, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and sleep bruxism in children with ADHD. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these parameters.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on 40 consecutive ADHD children referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome. All subjects underwent an orthodontic examination and were screened for OSA and sleep bruxism. Data were compared to a sex- and aged-matched control group.

RESULTS

Prevalence of high risk of OSA in children with ADHD was 62.5% compared to 10% in the control group (p < .00001). No differences were found in any of the occlusal variables examined between children with ADHD and controls (p > .05). An increased prevalence of sleep bruxism was observed in ADHD children (40%) compared to controls (7.5%) (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher prevalence of OSA risk and probable sleep bruxism were observed in ADHD patients compared with controls. No significant differences were observed in malocclusions d.

Sleep Disordered Breathing and Risk for ADHD: Review of Supportive Evidence and Proposed Underlying Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is under-recognized in youth and adults with ADHD. SDB may contribute to exacerbating pre-existing ADHD symptoms and may play a role in the development of cognitive deficits that may mimic ADHD symptoms.

METHOD

We conducted a focused review of publications on cross-prevalence, overlapping clinical and neurobiological characteristics and possible mechanisms linking SDB and ADHD.

RESULTS

Exiting studies suggest that co-occurrence of SDB and ADHD is as high as 50%, with frequent overlap of clinical symptoms such as distractibility and inattention. Mechanisms linking these conditions may include hypoxia during sleep, sleep fragmentation and activation of inflammation, all of which may affect brain structure and physiology to produce disturbances in attention.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between SDB and ADHD symptoms appear well-supported and suggests that more research is needed to better optimize procedures for SDB assessment in youth being evaluated and/or treated for ADHD.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects the psychological and behavioural development of children-a case-control study

This study aims to investigate the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on paediatric psychological and behavioural abnormalities. A total of 1086 paediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea and 728 sample snoring controls were enrolled in the study. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea underwent bilateral tonsillectomy plus adenoidectomy or adenoidectomy alone. Repeated Autism Behaviour Checklist, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, and Children's Depression Inventory were performed to assess the autism symptoms, anxiety level and depressive symptoms before and after surgery. The score of Autism Behaviour Checklist in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea was higher than that in control. In school children with obstructive sleep apnea, the score of Spence Children's Anxiety Scale was also higher. School children with obstructive sleep apnea with depressive symptoms were significantly higher than that in control. The scores of Autism Behaviour Checklist, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, and Children's Depression Inventory in the obstructive sleep apnea group after surgery were significantly lower than that before surgery. Our study showed that the score of Spence Children's Anxiety Scale and Children's Depression Inventory had a close correlation with the illness course and hypoxia duration. The Spence Children's Anxiety Scale and Children's Depression Inventory scores are also closely associated with the Autism Behaviour Checklist score. These results suggest that obstructive sleep apnea may have a significant impact on autism symptoms, anxiety levels and depressive symptoms in children. We found that the longer the duration of the obstructive sleep apnea course and hypoxia, the greater the impact on anxiety level and depressive symptoms. The suspected autism symptoms, anxiety level and depressive symptoms in children with obstructive sleep apnea were also significantly correlated. Thus, early detection and timely treatment may often reverse the psychological and behavioural abnormalities caused by obstructive sleep apnea.

A Novel Intervention to Simultaneously Address the Dual Pathologies of Breathing Disorders During Sleep and Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in School-Aged Children Ages 5-12

PURPOSE

To evaluate the improvement of ADHD related symptoms in school-aged children ages 5 to 12 in treatment with a monobloc appliance (MOA) for Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).

METHODS

A retrospective review of questionnaire scores of ADHD symptoms from school-aged children being treated with a MOA for SDB. Data was obtained from parent survey questionnaires of 40 school-aged children in three dental offices in treatment with an MOA for SDB showing symptoms of ADHD yet to be confirmed with a formal diagnosis between 2019 and 2021. ADHD symptom scores were ascertained by a parent survey questionnaire completed at the initial visit before MOA treatment, and 2 to 6 months, and 7+ months during MOA treatment.

RESULTS

At the 7+ month endpoint, 17 of the 28 (61%) children ages 5 to 12 saw at least a 1-point drop in the sum of their questionnaire scores indicating an improvement in ADHD symptoms after initiating treatment with an MOA. Although there was a reduction of the overall average symptom score from the initial visit to 2 to 6 months (M = 4.06, SD ± 1.55), a statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms occurred at the 7+ month endpoint (M = 15.29, SD ± 4.50) during MOA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with an MOA may be highly effective in addressing the dual pathologies of SDB and ADHD in school-age children ages 5 to 12.

Case report: A girl with witnessed sleep apnea

Introduction

Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and big toes, and partial syndactyly of the hands and feet. This case report presents the case of a girl diagnosed with type 2 Pfeiffer syndrome who experienced severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Case report

The patient had been using an oropharyngeal airway since the age of 4 months due to snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep. At 11 months old, she was referred to our sleep clinic because of growth limitation and gross motor ability issues. Polysomnography (PSG) showed severe obstructive hypopnea before any treatment, and revealed severe central sleep apnea with the oropharyngeal airway in place. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was initiated, which improved both her sleep and gross motor ability.

Conclusion

This case report emphasizes the importance of thorough sleep studies for diagnosing sleep and breathing disorders in Pfeiffer syndrome patients and highlights the effectiveness of PAP therapy in managing these conditions.

Dietary profile of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea patients, effects of routine educational counseling, and predictors for outcomes

Background

Dietary behavior is a main contributing yet modifiable factor to the body weight status of children and may be involved in the pathophysiology of childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to investigate the dietary profile of pediatric OSA patients, effects of educational counseling after adenotonsillectomy, and predictor for disease resolution.

Methods

This observational study included 50 pediatric OSA patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy with routine educational counseling (Group 1), 50 pediatric OSA patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy without formal educational counseling (Group 2), and 303 healthy children without OSA (Control). The three groups were matched by age. The consumption frequency of 25 food items/groups was assessed by the Short Food Frequency Questionnaire. Quality of life was evaluated by the OSA-18 questionnaire. Sleep architecture and OSA severity were measured by standard polysomnography. Between- and within-group comparisons were analyzed by non-parametric approaches and generalized estimating equations. Prediction of disease recovery was performed by multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Group 1 children consumed fruit drinks with sugar, vegetables, sweets, chocolate, rice, and noodles more frequently than Control Group children. At baseline, the distributions of sex, weight status, OSA-18 scores, and polysomnographic variables were comparable between Group 1 and Group 2. After a 12-month follow-up, Group 1 had better improvements in physical suffering, caregiver concerns, sleep architecture, and mean peripheral oxygen saturation compared to Group 2. Furthermore, Group 1 no longer had excessive consumption of fruit drinks with sugar, chocolate, and noodles; however, food consumption frequencies did not change significantly. Notably, younger age and reduced intake of butter/margarine on bread and noodles were independent predictors of cured OSA in Group 1.

Conclusion

The present study preliminarily characterized an unhealthy dietary profile among pediatric OSA patients and suggested that routine educational counseling in addition to adenotonsillectomy yielded some clinical benefits. Certain items/groups of food frequencies may be associated with disease recovery and further investigations are warranted.

Knowledge and Awareness of Parents About Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is relatively common in childhood and is characterized by repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway during sleep. Children affected by OSA can experience various symptoms including snoring, restless sleep, and behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, which interfere with their quality of life. Additionally, OSA can result in serious conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of OSA among parents in the Jeddah region. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of OSA among all parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through social media platforms. The online survey assessed the knowledge regarding the OSA definition, risk factors, associated symptoms, and treatment. Results A total of 462 participants were included. Only 16% of participants had a good level of knowledge of OSA, while the remaining 84% had a poor level of knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 15.39 ± 5.8, with a significant difference between occupations (P=0.039). Conclusion Our study reveals that parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have a low level of knowledge about pediatric OSA, with only 16% demonstrating good knowledge and less than half recognizing the definition of OSA. This lack of knowledge could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting children's health and academic performance. Common symptoms of OSA reported by parents were restless sleep, mouth breathing, and snoring, but bedwetting and hyperactivity were poorly recognized. Adenoids, allergic sinusitis, enlarged tonsils, asthma, and obesity were identified as risk factors for OSA. Improving parental awareness of OSA through public campaigns, doctor consultations, and education programs is crucial. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.

Predictive Power of Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in Detecting Long-Term Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children: A Questionnaire-Based Study

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea can negatively affect children's neurocognitive function and development, hindering academic and adaptive goals. Questionnaires are suitable for assessing neuropsychological symptoms in children with sleep-disordered breathing. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the Oxygen Desaturation Index compared to the Obstructive Apnea-Hypopnea Index in predicting long-term consequences of sleep-disordered breathing in children. We conducted a retrospective analysis of respiratory polysomnography recordings from preschool and school-age children (mean age: 5.8 ± 2.8 years) and followed them up after an average of 3.1 ± 0.8 years from the home-based polysomnography. We administered three validated questionnaires to the parents/caregivers of the children by phone. Our results showed that children with an Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) greater than one event per hour exhibited symptoms in four domains (physical, school-related, Quality of Life [QoL], and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]) at follow-up, compared to only two symptoms (physical and school-related) found in children with an Obstructive Apnea-Hypopnea Index greater than one event per hour at the time of diagnosis. Our study also found a significant correlation between the minimum SpO₂ (%) recorded at diagnosis and several outcomes, including Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores, physical, social, and school-related outcomes, and ADHD index at follow-up. These results suggest that the Oxygen Desaturation Index could serve as a valuable predictor of long-term symptoms in children with sleep-disordered breathing, which could inform treatment decisions. Additionally, measuring minimum SpO₂ levels may help assess the risk of developing long-term symptoms and monitor treatment outcomes.

Current Concepts in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described as intermittent partial or complete upper airway obstruction that can disrupt respiratory and ventilatory patterns during sleep [...]

Knowledge and Awareness of Parents Attending Pediatric Clinic Regarding Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic, recurrent episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. It has a negative impact on quality of life and behavior and can lead to adverse neurological and cardiovascular outcomes if left untreated. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a general pediatric clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to December 2022, on parents who attended the pediatric clinic at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, either using a tablet or a paper-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and questions assessing the parents' knowledge and awareness of pediatric OSA.

RESULTS

The study included 146 participants. The mean knowledge score was 15.38 ± 6. Only 20% of the participants had a good knowledge level, while 80% had a poor level of knowledge. Furthermore, regarding the definition of OSA, 60 out of 146 participants answered correctly. Enlargement of adenoids was the most recognized risk factor, and restless sleep was the most recognized symptom. The majority of participants agreed that consulting an expert doctor was the best method to raise awareness about childhood OSA.

CONCLUSION

The result of our study reveals the low level of awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a pediatric clinic in Jeddah. This highlights the need for health education programs and sensitization campaigns to improve awareness of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Clinical-functional characteristics of children with asthma and obstructive sleep apnea overlap associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study

Background

Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common chronic respiratory disorders in children. The relationship between asthma and OSA is bidirectional; these conditions share multiple epidemiological risk factors. Untreated OSA may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD in asthmatic children with OSA and the link between asthma control and lung function of children with asthma and OSA.

Methods

A total of 96 children aged 6-15 years diagnosed with asthma, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2020, were enrolled in this study. All demographic data, including age, gender, body mass index, asthma control status, therapy, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide, were collected. In addition, home respiratory polygraphy was used to identify OSA in study subjects.

Results

A total of 96 patients (8.4 ± 2.4 years) were included in the present study. OSA was identified in 60.4% of asthmatic children with a mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 3.5 ± 3.0 event/h. The inattentive ADHD subtype was significantly lower in the non-OSA asthmatic group than in the OSA asthmatic group (7.9 vs. 34.5%, p < 0.05). ADHD had a higher probability of presence (OR: 3.355; 95% CI: 1.271-8.859; p < 0.05) in the OSA group (AHI >1 event/h). Children with poorly controlled asthma had a significantly high risk of OSA (83.0 vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001) than children with well-controlled asthma. Allergic rhinitis increased the odds of having OSA in patients with asthma [OR: 8.217 (95% CI: 3.216-20.996); p < 0.05].

Conclusion

The prevalence of OSA is increased among poorly controlled asthma. ADHD may have a higher prevalence in children with OSA. Therefore, prompt diagnosis of OSA will lead to an accurate asthma control strategy in patients with asthma.

Approach to the child with fatigue: A focus for the general pediatrician

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common, nonspecific complaint commonly used to describe various conditions, ranging from a vague, subjective sense of weariness to muscular weakness, fatigability, exercise intolerance or excessive daytime somnolence. Despite its high frequency in the general population, literature addressing the approach to the child with fatigue from a general pediatrician perspective is poor. We herein propose a review of the available evidence on the topic, providing a practical framework to assist physicians in dealing with the issue.

METHODS

Data were identified by searches of MEDLINE, UpToDate, Google Scholar and references from relevant articles. Articles published between 1990 and 2021 were considered, prioritizing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Then, an empirically-based model of approaching the tired child was proposed according to our center experience.

RESULTS

To correctly characterize the meaning of fatigue reporting, specific clues from history and physical examination should be emphasized. Duration, severity, and the age at onset are to be considered. Then, specific queries about everyday activities, sleep hygiene and social domain could be useful in reaching a specific diagnosis and offering an appropriate treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest a pragmatic approach to fatigue in children based on age assessment, targeted questions, physical examination clues, and some laboratory first-level tests. This could provide pediatricians with a useful tool to discriminate the broad etiology of such a complaint, disentangling between psychological and organic causes. Further studies are needed to investigate the predictive value, specificity and sensitivity of this diagnostic workflow in managing the child with fatigue.

Prevalence of high-risk for obstructive sleep apnea in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children referred to psychiatry clinic and impact on quality of life

OBJECTIVES

To study the prevalence of high-risk obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children in a child and adolescent psychiatry clinic using the Thai version of the Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool (POSAST) questionnaire. The secondary objective was to evaluate the quality of life and identify associated factors for high-risk OSA in ADHD children.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Caregivers of pediatric patients aged 5-18 years old and diagnosed with ADHD by child and adolescent psychiatrists were surveyed about their child's sleeping habits.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-four subjects were included. The patients' mean age was 10.4 ± 2.6 years, and 82.8% were males. There were 30 children (10.9%) diagnosed with obesity, 46 (16.8%) with chronic rhinitis, and 9 (3.3%) with asthma. The median duration of ADHD symptoms was 22.1 months. The prevalence of high-risk OSA was 18.2% and was associated with significantly reduced quality of life (adjusted OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 2.26-8.81, P < 0.001). A significant association between high-risk OSA and obesity also emerged (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.17-6.88, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

An elevated prevalence of high-risk OSA is present among Thai children with ADHD, and significantly impacts quality of life. A significant association between high-risk OSA and obesity is also detected in patients with ADHD. Therefore, screening for high-risk OSA in ADHD patients may likely facilitate early detection and treatment of OSA, and potentially prevent adverse consequences.