Neurobehavioural correlates in older children and adolescents with obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea. (18th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Evan; Healey, Dione; Schaughency, Elizabeth; Dawes, Patrick; Galland, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 50:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2013-10-18
• Subjects: Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jpc12390-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and poorer neurobehavioural outcomes in school‐age children is well established, but the relationship in obese children and adolescents, in whom OSA is more common, is not so well established. We aimed to investigate this relationship in 10–18‐year‐olds.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12390-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Thirty‐one participants with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32.3 ± 4.9 enrolled. BMI‐for‐age cut‐offs were used to define obesity. Participants underwent polysomnography and were classified into OSA (apnoea‐hypopnoea index (AHI) > 2 per hour) and non‐OSA (AHI ≤ 2) groups. Intelligence, memory and learning, academic achievement, behaviour and executive functioning were assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning 2, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test II (WIAT‐II), Behavioural Assessment System for Children 2 and Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, respectively.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12390-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Forty‐eight per cent (15/31) were classified as having OSA, and 52% (16/31) as non‐OSA. The obese cohort performed below the average of normative data on several neurobehavioural measures. WIAT‐II maths scores were significantly lower (<italic>P</italic> = 0.034) in the OSA group than in the non‐OSA group (means 84.5 vs. 94.6, respectively), losing significance after adjustment for IQ, age and gender. Self‐reported school problems were significantly worse in the OSA group before and after multivariate adjustment (<italic>P</italic> = 0.010, Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 1.02). No other significant differences were found.</p> </sec> <sec id="jpc12390-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Results suggest that OSA may increase risk for some poorer educational and behavioural outcomes. The findings are reasonably consistent with and add to the evidence base of the few studies that have explored this relationship.</p> </sec> </abstract>