Baroreflex sensitivity and sleep-related breathing problems

Abstract

“Sleep-related breathing problems” (SRBPs), as a term, encompasses a range of disorders of breathing during sleep. They are all characterized by airway obstruction and disturbance of normal breathing, and such disorders have been associated with altered autonomic function in adults. In this issue of The Journal, Coverdale et al, from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Waterloo, report a study of 106 adolescents where baroreflex sensitivity, a measure of autonomic function, was measured from blood pressure and ECG recordings. Teenagers with the highest scores for SRBP had the lowest baroreflex sensitivity, and this relationship was particularly noted in those with higher body mass index. These are new observations in this age group.Article page 610▶ “Sleep-related breathing problems” (SRBPs), as a term, encompasses a range of disorders of breathing during sleep. They are all characterized by airway obstruction and disturbance of normal breathing, and such disorders have been associated with altered autonomic function in adults. In this issue of The Journal, Coverdale et al, from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Waterloo, report a study of 106 adolescents where baroreflex sensitivity, a measure of autonomic function, was measured from blood pressure and ECG recordings. Teenagers with the highest scores for SRBP had the lowest baroreflex sensitivity, and this relationship was particularly noted in those with higher body mass index. These are new observations in this age group. Article page 610▶ Baroreflex Sensitivity is Associated with Sleep-Related Breathing Problems in AdolescentsThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 160Issue 4PreviewTo examine the relationship between sleep-related breathing problems (SRBPs) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) among adolescents and assesses whether body mass influences this relationship. Full-Text PDF