Pediatric long-term noninvasive respiratory support in children with central nervous system disorders

RATIONALE

The use of long-term noninvasive respiratory support is increasing in children along with an extension of indications, in particular in children with central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of children with CNS disorders treated with long-term noninvasive respiratory support in France.

METHODS

Data were collected from 27 French pediatric university centers through an anonymous questionnaire filled for every child treated with noninvasive ventilatory support ≥3 months on 1st June 2019.

MAIN RESULTS

The data of 182 patients (55% boys, median age: 10.2 [5.4;14.8] years old [range: 0.3-25]) were collected: 35 (19%) patients had nontumoral spinal cord injury, 22 (12%) CNS tumors, 63 (35%) multiple disabilities, 26 (14%) central alveolar hypoventilation and 36 (20%) other CNS disorders. Seventy five percent of the patients were treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and 25% with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The main investigations performed before CPAP/NIV initiation were nocturnal gas exchange recordings, alone or coupled with poly(somno)graphy (in 29% and 34% of the patients, respectively). CPAP/NIV was started in an acute setting in 10% of the patients. Median adherence was 8 [6;10] hours/night, with 12% of patients using treatment <4 h/day. Nasal mask was the most common interface (70%). Airway clearance techniques were used by 31% of patients.

CONCLUSION

CPAP/NIV may be a therapeutic option in children with CNS disorders. Future studies should assess treatment efficacy and patient reported outcome measures.

Altered reinforcement learning in Narcolepsy type I and other central disorders of hypersomnolence

Cognitive impairments are described in central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH), but studies remain very limited and largely focused on narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). The precise nature and origin of these cognitive impairments is poorly understood. Specifically, impaired decision making under ambiguity has been reported in NT1 and suggested to be caused by dysregulation of the direct projections of hypocretin neurons to the dopamine network. However, the decision-making tasks used previously embed different cognitive functions that are difficult to isolate. This study aims to test reinforcement learning in participants with NT1 and with other (non-hypocretin deficient) CDH in a task known to directly depend on the dopamine system. Participants with NT1 (N = 27), other CDH (N = 34, including narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia, matched with NT1 participants for sleepiness severity), and healthy participants (N = 34) took part in the study. Results showed that all groups had normal and similar positive reinforcement learning, a pattern not suggestive of dopamine deficiency. However, both participants with NT1 and other CDH had decreased learning abilities to avoid losses. This decreased negative reinforcement learning in participants with CDH was associated with the alteration of vigilance. This study provides new insights into the nature of decision making impairment in people with CDH and suggests that these alterations could be minimized by restoring adequate vigilance.

Early formative objective structured clinical examinations for students in the pre-clinical years of medical education: A non-randomized controlled prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

The value of formative objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) during the pre-clinical years of medical education remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a formative OSCE program for medical students in their pre-clinical years on subsequent performance in summative OSCE.

METHODS

We conducted a non-randomized controlled prospective pilot study that included all medical students from the last year of the pre-clinical cycle of the Université Paris-Cité Medical School, France, in 2021. The intervention group received the formative OSCE program, which consisted of four OSCE sessions, followed by debriefing and feedback, whereas the control group received the standard teaching program. The main objective of this formative OSCE program was to develop skills in taking a structured medical history and communication. All participants took a final summative OSCE. The primary endpoint was the summative OSCE mark in each group. A questionnaire was also administered to the intervention-group students to collect their feedback. A qualitative analysis, using a convenience sample, was conducted by gathering data pertaining to the process through on-site participative observation of the formative OSCE program.

RESULTS

Twenty students were included in the intervention group; 776 in the control group. We observed a significant improvement with each successive formative OSCE session in communication skills and in taking a structured medical history (p<0.0001 for both skills). Students from the intervention group performed better in a summative OSCE that assessed the structuring of a medical history (median mark 16/20, IQR [15; 17] versus 14/20, [13; 16], respectively, p = 0.012). Adjusted analyses gave similar results. The students from the intervention group reported a feeling of improved competence and a reduced level of stress at the time of the evaluation, supported by the qualitative data showing the benefits of the formative sessions.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that an early formative OSCE program is suitable for the pre-clinical years of medical education and is associated with improved student performance in domains targeted by the program.

Developmental outcome of children with Robin sequence treated with the current Paris protocol

AIM

We aimed to investigate the developmental outcome of children with Robin sequence (RS) for whom continuous positive airway pressure was the main strategy to release upper airway obstruction.

METHODS

We included children with isolated RS or RS associated with Stickler syndrome who were aged 15 months to 6 years. We used the French version of the Child Development Inventory and calculated the developmental quotient (DQ) for eight different domains and the global DQ (DQ-global). We searched for determinants of risk of delay.

RESULTS

Of the 87 children, for 71%, the developmental evolution was within the norm (DQ-global ≥86 or ≥-1 SD), 29% were at high risk of delay (DQ-global <86 or <-1 SD), and only 3% were at very high risk of delay (DQ-global <70 or <-2 SD). The DQs for expressive language and language comprehension were lower in our study population than the general population, but an improvement was noticed with the children's growth.

CONCLUSION

Risk of a developmental delay was not greater for children with the most severe respiratory phenotype than the others. Children whose mothers had low education levels were more at risk than the others.

Effect of long term noninvasive ventilation in children on parent's quality of life

OBJECTIVE

Improving or maintaining the quality of life of the family of children treated with long term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a major concern; but studies are scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of long term CPAP or NIV in children on anxiety, depression, quality of sleep, and quality of life of their parents.

METHODS

Validated questionnaires evaluating anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index), daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale), and parents' quality of life (PedsQL family impact module) were completed by parents of children who were started on CPAP/NIV before (M0) and after 6-9 months (M6) of treatment.

RESULTS

The questionnaires of 36 parents (30 mothers, 6 fathers) of 31 children were analyzed. For the entire group, no significant change was observed in anxiety, depression, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life between M0 and M6. When analyzing questionnaire class changes between M0 and M6: anxiety was relieved in 23% of parents and worsened in 29%, depression was relieved in 14% and worsened in 20%, sleep quality improved in 43% and worsened in 27%, sleepiness improved in 26% and worsened in 17%, with no change in the other parents.

CONCLUSION

Long term CPAP/NIV in children had no significant effect on parents' anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Detection of Simulated Pediatric Breathing by CPAP/NIV Devices

BACKGROUND

Home CPAP and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are increasingly used in children. An appropriate choice of the CPAP/NIV device, according to the manufacturer recommendations, should guarantee accurate data collection software. However, not all devices display accurate patient data. We hypothesized that the detection of patient breathing may be expressed as a minimal tidal volume (V_Tmin ) rather than a minimal weight. The aim of the study was to estimate the V_Tmin detected by home ventilators when set on CPAP.

METHODS

Twelve level I-III devices were analyzed using a bench test. Pediatric profiles were simulated with increasing V_T values to determine the V_Tmin that the ventilator may detect. The duration of CPAP use and the presence/absence of waveform tracings on the built-in software were also gathered.

RESULTS

V_Tmin varied according to the device, ranging from 16-84 mL, independent of level category. The duration of CPAP use was underestimated in all level I devices, which were either not able to display any waveform or only intermittently, until V_Tmin was reached. The duration of CPAP use was overestimated for the level II and III devices, with the display of different waveforms according to the device as soon as the device was switched on.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the V_Tmin detected, some level I and II devices may be suitable for infants. A careful testing of the device should be done at CPAP initiation, with a review of data generated from ventilator software.

Respiratory effort during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure in severe acute viral bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVES

To assess if noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is associated with a greater reduction in respiratory effort as compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during severe acute bronchiolitis, with both supports set either clinically or physiologically.

METHODS

Twenty infants (median [IQR] age 1.2 [0.9; 3.2] months) treated <24 h with noninvasive respiratory support (CPAP Clin, set at 7 cmH₂ O, or NIPPV Clin) for bronchiolitis were included in a prospective single-center crossover study. Esogastric pressures were measured first with the baseline support, then with the other support. For each support, recordings were performed with the clinical setting and a physiological setting (CPAP Phys and NIPPV Phys), aiming at normalising respiratory effort. Patients were then treated with the optimal support. The primary outcome was the greatest reduction in esophageal pressure-time product (PTP_ES /min). Other outcomes included improvement of the other components of the respiratory effort.

RESULTS

NIPPV Clin and Phys were associated with a lower PTP_ES /min (164 [105; 202] and 106 [78; 161] cmH₂ O s/min, respectively) than CPAP Clin (178 [145; 236] cmH₂ O s/min; p = 0.01 and 2 × 10^-4 , respectively). NIPPV Clin and Phys were also associated with a significant reduction of all other markers of respiratory effort as compared to CPAP Clin. PTP_ES /min with NIPPV (Clin or Phys) was not different from PTP_ES /min with CPAP Phys. There was no significant difference between physiological and clinical settings.

CONCLUSION

NIPPV is associated with a significant reduction in respiratory effort as compared to CPAP set at +7 cmH₂ O in infants with severe acute bronchiolitis. CPAP Phys performs as well as NIPPV Clin.

Craniofacial growth and function in achondroplasia: a multimodal 3D study on 15 patients

BACKGROUND

Achondroplasia is the most frequent FGFR3-related chondrodysplasia, leading to rhizomelic dwarfism, craniofacial anomalies, stenosis of the foramen magnum, and sleep apnea. Craniofacial growth and its correlation with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has not been assessed in achondroplasia. In this study, we provide a multimodal analysis of craniofacial growth and anatomo-functional correlations between craniofacial features and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

METHODS

A multimodal study was performed based on a paediatric cohort of 15 achondroplasia patients (mean age, 7.8 ± 3.3 years), including clinical and sleep study data, 2D cephalometrics, and 3D geometric morphometry analyses, based on CT-scans (mean age at CT-scan: patients, 4.9 ± 4.9 years; controls, 3.7 ± 4.2 years).

RESULTS

Craniofacial phenotype was characterized by maxillo-zygomatic retrusion, deep nasal root, and prominent forehead. 2D cephalometric studies showed constant maxillo-mandibular retrusion, with excessive vertical dimensions of the lower third of the face, and modifications of cranial base angles. All patients with available CT-scan had premature fusion of skull base synchondroses. 3D morphometric analyses showed more severe craniofacial phenotypes associated with increasing patient age, predominantly regarding the midface-with increased maxillary retrusion in older patients-and the skull base-with closure of the spheno-occipital angle. At the mandibular level, both the corpus and ramus showed shape modifications with age, with shortened anteroposterior mandibular length, as well as ramus and condylar region lengths. We report a significant correlation between the severity of maxillo-mandibular retrusion and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows more severe craniofacial phenotypes at older ages, with increased maxillomandibular retrusion, and demonstrates a significant anatomo-functional correlation between the severity of midface and mandible craniofacial features and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

[Sommeil en temps de pandémie : enseignements pour la prise en charge de l'insomnie]

"Sleep in times Of pandemic: lessons for the Management of insomnia. Sleep is both a determinant of health and a valuable Indicator of psychological impact in both personal and Global crisis situations. Results from the coconel (coronavirus. Containment longitudinal study) surveys, Conducted in the aftermath of the first 2020 sars-cov-2 Pandemic containment, show a significant increase in Sleep disturbance compared to previous data: significantly Increased prevalence compared to 2017 in women (from 66% to 81%) and even more in men (from 42% to 66%). Young people were particularly affected as well as economically Vulnerable people. The percentage of French People reporting regular use of hypnotics almost doubled (from 9% to 17%). Simple sleep hygiene rules can be provided to better cope With these periods of pandemic, stress and isolation. Thanks to the data acquired, these recommendations Could be refined, including the significant impact of Media exposure, a new prevention issue."

Siblings of children with a complex chronic disorder treated by non-invasive ventilation

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the emotional and behavioural functioning of siblings of children treated with long term non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

METHODS

Parents of children treated with NIV completed the Child Behaviour Checklist and a qualitative questionnaire for each sibling, aged 1.5-18 years old.

RESULTS

The parents of 49 ventilated children were questioned about 79 siblings. For the siblings aged 1.5-5, mean total T score was 57 ± 22 (range 28-92), and five siblings (31%) were in the clinical range. For the siblings aged 6-18, mean total T score was 49 ± 12 (range 26-71), and six siblings (10%) were in the clinical range. Siblings felt responsible for their affected sibling (31%) and involved with his/her illness (52%), with 31% being worried about him/her. A change in behaviour was observed in 19% of the siblings since the initiation of NIV; 26% were impacted by the use of the NIV device.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of siblings of children treated with NIV do not present significant emotional and behavioural problems. They feel deeply responsible for their affected sibling and involved in his/her illness and treatment, highlighting the importance to involve the siblings in the care of the affected child.

Order matters: sleep spindles contribute to memory consolidation only when followed by rapid-eye-movement sleep

Sleep is known to benefit memory consolidation, but little is known about the contribution of sleep stages within the sleep cycle. The sequential hypothesis proposes that memories are first replayed during nonrapid-eye-movement (NREM or N) sleep and then integrated into existing networks during rapid-eye-movement (REM or R) sleep, two successive critical steps for memory consolidation. However, it lacks experimental evidence as N always precedes R sleep in physiological conditions. We tested this sequential hypothesis in patients with central hypersomnolence disorder, including patients with narcolepsy who present the unique, anti-physiological peculiarity of frequently falling asleep in R sleep before entering N sleep. Patients performed a visual perceptual learning task before and after daytime naps stopped after one sleep cycle, starting in N or R sleep and followed by the other stage (i.e. N-R vs. R-N sleep sequence). We compared over-nap changes in performance, reflecting memory consolidation, depending on the sleep sequence during the nap. Thirty-six patients who slept for a total of 67 naps were included in the analysis. Results show that sleep spindles are associated with memory consolidation only when N is followed by R sleep, that is in physiologically ordered N-R naps, thus providing support to the sequential hypothesis in humans. In addition, we found a negative effect of rapid-eye-movements in R sleep on perceptual consolidation, highlighting the complex role of sleep stages in the balance to remember and to forget.

Using continuous nasal airway pressure in infants with craniofacial malformations

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in infants and children with craniofacial malformations. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) represents an effective noninvasive treatment for severe upper airway obstruction in these children, reducing the need of surgery or a tracheostomy. The decision to start CPAP should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team in order to decide the optimal individualized treatment strategy. CPAP initiation depends on patients' clinical characteristics and local practices, with an increase tendency towards an outpatient program. Follow-up and monitoring strategy varies among centers but benefits from the analysis of built-in software data in order to assess objective adherence and breathing parameters, reducing the need of in-hospital sleep studies. The possibility to wean CPAP should be periodically checked after surgical treatment or when spontaneous resolution is suspected. Finally, these infants with craniofacial malformations should have a long term follow up because of the risk of OSA recurrence over time.

Central apnea and periodic breathing in children with underlying conditions

Central sleep apneas and periodic breathing are poorly described in childhood. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of central sleep apnea and periodic breathing in children with associated medical conditions, and the therapeutic management. We retrospectively reviewed all poly(somno)graphies with a central apnea index ≥ 5 events per hr in children aged > 1 month performed in a paediatric sleep laboratory over a 6‐year period. Clinical data and follow‐up poly(somno)graphies were gathered. Ninety‐five out of 2,981 patients (3%) presented central sleep apnea: 40% were < 1 year, 41% aged 1–6 years, and 19% aged ≥ 6 years. Chiari malformation was the most common diagnosis (13%). Mean central apnea index was 20 ± 30 events per hr (range 5–177). Fifty‐eight (61%) children had an exclusive central pattern with < 5 obstructive events per hr. Periodic breathing was present in 79 (83%) patients, with a mean percentage of time with periodic breathing of 9 ± 16%. Among periodic breathing episodes, 40% appeared after a sigh, 8% after an obstructive event, 6% after breathing instability and 2% after bradypnea. The highest clinical apnea index and percentage of time with periodic breathing were observed in children with encephalopathy and/or epilepsy (68 ± 63 events per hr and 30 ± 34%). Clinical apnea index did not differ according to age, while periodic breathing duration was longer in children > 1 year old. Watchful waiting was performed in 22 (23%) patients with spontaneous improvement in 20. Other treatments (upper airway or neurosurgery, nocturnal oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, non‐invasive ventilation) were effective in selected patients. Central sleep apnea is rare in children and comprises heterogeneous conditions. Sleep studies are essential for the diagnosis, characterization and management of central sleep apnea.

Sleep-disordered breathing and its management in children with rare skeletal dysplasias

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with skeletal dysplasias. The aim of our study was to analyze SDB and respiratory management in children with rare skeletal dysplasias. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), metatropic dysplasia (MD), spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD), acrodysostosis (ADO), geleophysic dysplasia (GD), acromicric dysplasia (AD), and spondylocostal dysplasia (SCD) between April 2014 and October 2020. Polygraphic data, clinical management, and patients' outcome were analyzed. Thirty-one patients were included (8 SEDC, 3 MD, 4 SEMD, 1 ADO, 4 GD, 3 AD, and 8 SCD). Sixteen patients had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): 11 patients (2 with SEDC, 1 with SEMD, 1 with ADO, 1 with GD, 2 with AD, and 4 with SCD) had mild OSA, 2 (1 SEMD and 1 GD) had moderate OSA, and 3 (1 SEDC, 1 MD, 1 SEMD) had severe OSA. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in one patient with SCD and mild OSA, and at a later age in two other patients with ADO and AD. The two patients with moderate OSA were treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) because of nocturnal hypoxemia. The three patients with severe OSA were treated with adenotonsillectomy (1 SEDC), adeno-turbinectomy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 1 MD), and with NIV (1 SEMD) because of nocturnal hypoventilation. OSA and/or alveolar hypoventilation is common in patients with skeletal dysplasias, underlining the importance of systematic screening for SDB. CPAP and NIV are effective treatments for OSA and nocturnal hypoventilation/hypoxemia.

Quality of poly(somno)graphy recordings in children

The aim of the study was to assess the scorability of the signals of four poly(somno)graphy devices and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tracings (PtcCO₂ ) of one device in children. The presence (0%, < 25%, 25%-50%, 50%-75%, 75%-99%, 100% of recording time) and quality (bad, average, good) of the signal of each sensor were analysed. During a 5-month period, 364 poly(somno)graphies were performed in 12 different hospital units. Forty-one children had poor/bad cooperation, and 13 severe behaviour disorders. Seventy-one and 293 poly(somno)graphies were performed in children aged ≤ 2 and > 2 years, respectively; nine poly(somno)graphies failed. For the four poly(somno)graphy devices, the signal was present during 99% of recording time for the electroencephalogram, 99% for thoracic belt, 97% for abdominal belt, 97% for body position, 95% for the microphone, 92% for pulse oximetry, 87% for tracheal sound, 71% for oronasal thermistor, 52% (41% for ≤ 2 years, 55% for > 2 years old) for nasal pressure and 86% for PtcCO₂ . The signal was of good quality in 98% of poly(somno)graphies for body position, 96% for microphone, 96% for thoracic belt, 95% for pulse oximetry, 91% for abdominal belt, 91% for tracheal sound, 82% for oronasal thermistor, 78% for electroencephalogram, 73% for nasal pressure and 46% of PtcCO₂ recordings. The scorability was comparable between devices. Nasal pressure and oronasal thermistor had the lowest scorability, especially in children aged ≤ 2 years. This underlines the necessity of the development or improvement of alternative, ideally face-free, sensors, or miniaturized devices adapted for infants and children.

Respiratory management of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes a predominantly bilateral proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. The respiratory muscles are also involved with a weakness of the intercostal muscles and a relatively spared diaphragm. This respiratory muscle weakness translates into a cough impairment, resulting in poor clearance of airway secretions and recurrent pulmonary infections, restrictive lung disease due to a poor or insufficient chest wall and lung growth, nocturnal hypoventilation and, finally, respiratory failure. Systematic and regular monitoring of respiratory muscle performance is necessary in children with SMA in order to anticipate respiratory complications, such as acute and chronic respiratory failure, and guide clinical care. This monitoring is based in clinical practice on volitional and noninvasive tests, such as vital capacity, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, maximal static pressures, peak expiratory flow and peak cough flow because of their simplicity, availability and ease. In young children, those with poor cooperation or severe respiratory muscle weakness, other, mostly invasive, tests may be required to evaluate respiratory muscle performance. A sleep study, or at least overnight monitoring of nocturnal gas exchange is mandatory for detecting nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation. Training for patients and caregivers in cough-assisted techniques is recommended when respiratory muscle strength falls below 50% of predicted or in case of recurrent or severe respiratory infections. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) should be initiated in case of isolated nocturnal hypoventilation and followed by a pediatric respiratory team with expertise in NIV. Multidisciplinary (neurology and respiratory) pediatric management is crucial for optimal care of children with SMA. © 2020 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Home Overnight Gas Exchange for Long-Term Noninvasive Ventilation in Children

BACKGROUND

The aim of CPAP and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is to correct sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal gas exchange. The aim of the study was to analyze the results of a systematic home pulse oximetry ([Formula: see text]) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) monitoring in stable pediatric subjects on long-term CPAP/NIV or screened for CPAP/NIV weaning, and the consequent interventions in the subjects with abnormal gas exchange.

METHODS

The home overnight [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] recordings of stable pediatric subjects treated with or weaned from CPAP, NIV, or high-flow nasal cannula between January 2017 and March 2018 were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 110 recordings, performed in 79 subjects, median age 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.5-14) y, were analyzed. Fifty-two recordings (47%) were performed during NIV, 43 (39%) during CPAP, 2 (2%) during high-flow nasal cannula, and 13 (12%) during a spontaneous ventilation weaning trial from ventilatory support. The quality of recording was excellent in 81% of recordings, 5 recordings (5%) had <4 h of recording time, 5 (5%) had artifacts on the [Formula: see text] signal, and 16 (15%) had artifacts on the [Formula: see text] signal. Gas exchange abnormalities were observed in 11 subjects with [Formula: see text] > 50 mm Hg during ≥ 2% of recording time (n = 8), mean [Formula: see text] ≥ 50 mm Hg (n = 6), mean [Formula: see text] < 35 mm Hg (n = 3), and [Formula: see text] < 90% during ≥ 2% of recording time (n = 2). Consequent interventions were (multiple interventions possible): change of device settings (n = 6), change of interface (n = 2), switched to high-flow nasal cannula (n = 1), and a control recording (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number (∼12%) of systematic home [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] recordings in stable pediatric subjects treated with CPAP/NIV were abnormal and may be corrected by adequate therapeutic interventions.

Tracheal sounds for the scoring of sleep respiratory events in children

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Oronasal thermistor and nasal cannula are recommended for the scoring of respiratory events (RE) but these sensors are poorly tolerated in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate tracheal sounds (TS) and suprasternal pressure (SSP) for the scoring of RE during sleep in children.

METHODS

We compared the detection and characterization of RE by AASM-recommended sensors ("AASM" scoring), with the detection and characterization of RE by the combination of TS and SSP with respiratory inductance plethysmography-sum (TS-RIP scoring), and TS and SSP only (TS scoring).

RESULTS

The recordings of 17 patients were analyzed. The TS, SSP, and RIP flow signals were present during 95%, 95%, and 99% of the validated recording time, respectively, as compared to 79% and 86% for nasal cannula and oronasal thermistor. A total of 1,456 RE were scored with the "AASM" scoring, 1,335 with the TS-RIP scoring, and 1,311 with the TS scoring. Sensitivity for apnea and hypopnea detection was 88% and 84% for the TS-RIP scoring, and 86% and 77% for the TS scoring. For apnea characterization, the TS-RIP scoring sensitivities and specificities were 97% and 100%, 76% and 98%, and 95% and 97%, for obstructive, mixed, and central apnea, respectively. For the TS scoring, they were 95% and 100%, 95% and 97%, and 91% and 97%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TS and SSP + RIP-sum has a good sensitivity and specificity for the detection and characterization of apnea and hypopnea in children. TS and SSP alone have good sensitivity and specificity for apnea detection and characterization but lower sensitivity for hypopnea detection.

Non-invasive Ventilation and CPAP Failure in Children and Indications for Invasive Ventilation

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are effective treatments for children with severe sleep disordered breathing (SBD). However, some patients may present too severe SDB that do not respond to NIV/CPAP or insufficient compliance to treatment. A careful revaluation of the interface and of ventilator settings should be performed before considering alternative treatments. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alternatives to CPAP/NIV rely on the underlying disease. Ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery such as adeno-tonsillectomy (AT), turbinectomy or supraglottoplasty represent an effective treatment in selected patients before starting CPAP/NIV and should be reconsidered in case of CPAP failure. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is restricted to children with OSA and a narrow palate who have little adenotonsillar tissue, or for those with residual OSA after AT. Weight loss is the first line therapy for obese children with OSA before starting CPAP and should remain a priority in the long-term. Selected patients may benefit from maxillo-facial surgery such as mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) or from neurosurgery procedures like fronto-facial monobloc advancement. Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) or high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may constitute efficient alternatives to CPAP in selected patients. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has been proposed in children with Down syndrome not tolerant to CPAP. Ultimately, tracheostomy represents the unique alternative in case of failure of all the above-mentioned treatments. All these treatments require a multidisciplinary approach with a personalized treatment tailored on the different diseases and sites of obstruction. In patients with neuromuscular, neurological or lung disorders, non-invasive management in case of NIV failure is more challenging. Diaphragmatic pacing has been proposed for some patients with central congenital hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) or neurological disorders, however its experience in children is limited. Finally, invasive ventilation via tracheotomy represents again the ultimate alternative for children with severe disease and little or no ventilatory autonomy. However, ethical considerations weighting the efficacy against the burden of this treatment should be discussed before choosing this last option.

Follow-Up and Monitoring of Children Needing Long Term Home Ventilation

Once continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is started in a child, and the child is discharged home, follow-up needs to be organized with regular visits in order to check the tolerance and efficacy of the treatment. But there is a lack of validated clinical guidelines, mainly because of the heterogeneity of the ventilator servicing, the costs and health care systems among countries. Therefore, visits timing and strategies to monitor CPAP/NIV are not clearly defined. Moreover, depending on various factors such as the underlying disorder, the medical stability, the age of the child, and socio-economic factors, follow-up usually ranges between 1 month and 3-6 months, or even 1 year following treatment initiation, with an overnight hospital stay, an out-patient visit, a home visit, via telemonitoring or telemedicine, alone or in combination. Apart from clinical evaluation, nocturnal oximetry and capnography monitoring and/or poly(somno)graphy (P(S)G) are usually carried out during the follow-up visits to monitor the delivered pressure, leaks, residual respiratory events and synchrony between the patient and the ventilator. Built-in software data of CPAP/NIV devices can be used to assess the adherence of treatment, to monitor pressure efficiency, leaks, asynchronies, and to estimate the presence of residual respiratory events under CPAP/NIV if P(S)G is not available or in alternance with P(S)G. The possibility of CPAP/NIV weaning should be assessed on a regular basis, but no criteria for the timing and procedures have been validated. Weaning timing depends on the clinical condition that justified CPAP/NIV initiation, spontaneous improvement with growth, and the possibility and efficacy of various upper airway, maxillofacial and/or neurosurgical procedures. Weaning may be allowed in case of the disappearance of nocturnal and daytime symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) after several nights without CPAP/NIV and the objective correction of SDB on a P(S)G. But no parameters are defined. In any case, a long term follow-up is necessary to ascertain the weaning success. Large prospective studies, together with international and national guidelines, are required in order to build evidence for standardizing practice for the follow-up and weaning of CPAP/NIV in children.

Non-invasive Ventilation in Children With Neuromuscular Disease

The respiratory muscles are rarely spared in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) which puts them at risk of alveolar hypoventilation. The role of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is then to assist or "replace" the weakened respiratory muscles in order to correct alveolar hypoventilation by maintaining a sufficient tidal volume and minute ventilation. As breathing is physiologically less efficient during sleep, NIV will be initially used at night but, with the progression of respiratory muscle weakness, NIV can be extended during daytime, preferentially by means of a mouthpiece in order to allow speech and eating. Although children with NMD represent the largest group of children requiring long term NIV, there is a lack of validated criteria to start NIV. There is an agreement to start long term NIV in case of isolated nocturnal hypoventilation, before the appearance of daytime hypercapnia, and/or in case of acute respiratory failure requiring any type of ventilatory support. NIV is associated with a correction in night- and daytime gas exchange, an increase in sleep efficiency and an increase in survival. NIV and/or intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) have been shown to prevent thoracic deformities and consequent thoracic and lung hypoplasia in young children with NMD. NIV should be performed with a life support ventilator appropriate for the child's weight, with adequate alarms, and an integrated (±additional) battery. Humidification is recommended to improve respiratory comfort and prevent drying of bronchial secretions. A nasal interface (or nasal canula) is the preferred interface, a nasobuccal interface can be used with caution in case of mouth breathing. The efficacy of NIV should be assessed on the correction of alveolar ventilation. Patient ventilator synchrony and the absence of leaks can be assessed on a sleep study with NIV or on the analysis of the ventilator's in-built software. The ventilator settings and the interface should be adapted to the child's growth and progression of respiratory muscle weakness. NIV should be associated with an efficient clearance of bronchial secretions by a specific program on the ventilator, IPPB, or mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. Finally, these children should be managed by an expert pediatric multi-disciplinary team.

High-flow nasal cannula for children not compliant with continuous positive airway pressure

OBJECTIVES

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but poor compliance is a major limitation. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been used as an alternative but data about efficacy and objective long-term compliance are scarce; this study aims to address this lack of data.

PATIENTS/METHODS

All consecutive patients, aged 0-18 years, treated with CPAP for a severe OSA defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 10 events/h, and not compliant with home CPAP therapy, defined by a CPAP use of <2 h/night, after at least four weeks from CPAP initiation were considered eligible for the study. HFNC was started during an outpatient visit. Study outcomes were the objective compliance (number of hours use/night) after one month and the improvement of OSA on a respiratory polygraphy (RP) with HFNC.

RESULTS

Eight patients (two boys, mean age 8.9 ± 6.2 years, mean AHI 33 ± 22 events/h) were included in the study: Down syndrome (N = 6), Pierre Robin syndrome (N = 1), Pfeiffer syndrome (N = 1). After one month, five (62%) patients slept with HFNC more than 4 h/night (mean compliance 7 h 10 min ± 0 h 36 min/night). HFNC corrected OSA in the five compliant patients (mean AHI 2 ± 2 events/h with HFNC). HFNC was not accepted by the three oldest patients with Down syndrome.

CONCLUSION

A good compliance as well as a correction of OSA may be obtained with HFNC in selected children with OSA not compliant to CPAP. HFNC may be used as a rescue therapy for children not compliant with CPAP.

Outpatient initiation of long-term continuous positive airway pressure in children

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend initiating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in children during an overnight in-hospital titration study. Due to a shortage of hospital beds and economic constraints, we started a program for outpatient initiation of CPAP in selected children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Objective CPAP compliance and efficacy were evaluated in consecutive children enrolled in an outpatient CPAP program when they fulfilled the following criteria: persistent OSA, age >6 months, stable condition, family living in the Parisian area and agreeing with a regular follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-one children, median (range) age 8.9 years (0.8-17.5), were included in the program. The most common diagnosis were Down syndrome (n = 7), achondroplasia (n = 3), and obesity (n = 3). Median baseline obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was 12.5 events/h (5-100). Median duration of follow-up was 12.3 months (2.2-25.2). Four subjects (three adolescents with Down syndrome) were not compliant at 2-month follow-up with a compliance <4 h/night. In the other 27 subjects, median compliance was 08:21 h:min/night (05:45-12:20), with a median number of night use per month of 25 (18-30). CPAP efficacy at the end of follow-up was excellent in the compliant subjects with a median AHI of two events/h (0-4) and normal gas exchange with CPAP therapy. Three subjects were successfully weaned from CPAP treatment during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Initiating CPAP in an outpatient setting in children is feasible and effective in selected subjects. A high rate of compliance can be achieved as well as a correction of OSA.

Weaning from long term continuous positive airway pressure or noninvasive ventilation in children

OBJECTIVES

A significant number of children are able to discontinue long term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) but the underlying disorders, weaning criteria, and outcome of these children have not been studied.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort follow up.

SUBJECT SELECTION

Consecutive children who were weaned from long term CPAP/NIV between October 2013 and January 2016.

METHODOLOGY

Underlying disorders, weaning criteria, and clinical outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty eight (27%) of the 213 patients on long term CPAP/NIV could be weaned from CPAP/NIV with 50 patients being weaned from CPAP and 8 from NIV. Most patients were young children with upper airway anomalies, Prader Willi syndrome or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CPAP/NIV was discontinued following spontaneous improvement of sleep-disordered breathing in 33 (57%) patients, upper airway surgery (n = 14, 24%), maxillofacial surgery (n = 6, 11%), neurosurgery (n = 1, 2%), upper airway and neurosurgery (n = 2, 3%), or switch to oxygen therapy (n = 2, 3%). CPAP/NIV was discontinued due to normal nocturnal gas exchange during spontaneous breathing in all patients, with an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index ≤6 events/h on a combined poly(somno)graphy in 27 patients. A relapse of obstructive sleep apnea was observed after a median delay of 2 years in six patients who resumed CPAP and in one patient who underwent midface distraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Weaning from CPAP/NIV is possible in children treated with long term CPAP/NIV but is highly dependent on the underlying disorder. Spontaneous improvement is possible but most children need specific surgery. Long term follow-up is necessary in children with underlying disorders.

Sleep study as a diagnostic tool for unexplained respiratory failure in infants hospitalized in the PICU

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a polygraphy (PG) in infants hospitalized for unexplained respiratory failure or life-threatening events in the PICU.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PG of 13 infants (4 girls), mean age 6.8±7.7months, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight infants were admitted for unexplained respiratory failure and 5 for life-threatening events. PG showed features suggestive of respiratory muscle weakness in 5 infants whose final diagnoses were nemaline rod myopathy (n=2), congenital myasthenia (n=2), and diaphragmatic dysfunction (n=1). Four of these patients were successfully treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV). PG was suggestive of brainstem dysfunction in 4 infants; 2 were treated successfully with NIV and another with caffeine. PG showed obstructive sleep apnea in 3 infants; 2 were treated successfully with NIV and one patient was lost during follow up. A typical pattern of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome was observed in the last patient who was treated successfully with invasive ventilation. One patient with diaphragmatic dysfunction and one with brain stem dysfunction died.

CONCLUSIONS

PG may assist the diagnosis and guide the management of unexplained respiratory failure or life-threatening events in infants hospitalized in the PICU.