Changes of plasma orexin-A level and behavior performance before and after operation in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Abstract

Objective To explore the changes of plasma orexin-A level before and after operation in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) children and its effect on their behavior performance. Methods 120 cases OSAHS children performed tonsillectomy and / or adenoidectomy and 30 cases normal children as control group. According to the AHI index, the OSAHS group was divided into mild group (5 times/h ≤ AHI <20 times/h, n=13), moderate group (20/h ≤ AHI <40/h, n=76), and severe group (AHI ≥ 40 times / h, n=31). And at the same time, according to the sensory integration ratings, OSAHS group was divided into normal group(n=30), mildly abnormal group(n=47), moderately abnormal group(n=28), severely abnormal group(n=15). Before operation and 6 months after operation, plasma orexin-A levels and children's sensory integration were measured. Results Plasma orexin-A level of the OSAHS group((0.41±0.06)μg/ml) was significantly higher compared with the control group((0.31±0.04)μg/ml)(P<0.01). In orexin-A level of different AHI groups before and after operation(mild group: (0.33±0.02)μg/ml vs (0.28±0.03)μg/ml, moderate group: (0.39±0.04)μg/ml vs (0.29±0.03)μg/ml, severe group: (0.49±0.04)μg/ml vs (0.32±0.02)μg/ml), there had significant differences (P<0.01). In OSAHS children, AHI index had positive correlation with preoperative plasma orexin-A level (r=0.803, P<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between sensory integration scores and plasma orexin-A level(r=-0.812, P<0.01). Conclusions Plasma orexin-A level of OSAHS children is closely related to the severity of OSAHS and the changes of their behavioral ability.And it may become a diagnostic plasma marker of OSAHS children. Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; Orexin-A; Sensory integration capacity