0545 Metabolic Variables and the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in non-obese children

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be associated with abnormal metabolic variables that may impact the overall health of the child into adulthood. Prior studies have focused on understanding the relationship of obesity, OSA, and metabolic alterations. Understanding the relationship of OSA and metabolic alterations in normal-weight children would improve understanding of the health impact of OSA in and of itself. The Objective of this study was to evaluate the association of OSA and metabolic variables, including lipid levels, blood glucose, and HbA1c in normal-weight children with OSA. Methods Prospective, case-control study performed at a tertiary care children’s hospital. Normal-weight children, aged 2-12 years, undergoing overnight polysomnography (PSG) for assessment of sleep disordered breathing were selected for participation in the study. Laboratory testing for lipid levels, fasting glucose, HbA1c were completed and analyzed relative to the PSG findings. Results A total of 61 patients with a mean age of 4.7±2.5 years were analyzed. Thirty-four (55.7%) patients were male, and 27 (44.3%) were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) z score was 0.5±1.2, and all patients were non-obese (BMI z score <85th percentile). Total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with OSA when compared to those with No-OSA (p<0.01). There was incremental worsening of blood glucose and HbA1c levels with greater severity of OSA. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was positively and significantly correlated with blood glucose and HbA1c (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the AHI was a predictor of blood glucose (p<0.001) and HbA1c (p<0.001) levels independent of age, gender, total sleep time, and BMI z score. Conclusion Increasing severity of OSA in non-obese children was associated with worsening levels of cholesterol, blood glucose, and HbA1c. This points to the importance of addressing the issue of OSA in children given the potential impact of these elevated levels on the overall health of the child. Support (If Any) None