Oximetry in obese children with sleep-disordered breathing

Abstract

BackgroundObesity is an important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and obese children with OSAS have frequently shown oxygen desaturations when compared with normal-weight children. The aim of our study was to investigate the oximetry characteristics in children with obesity and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). MethodsChildren referred for suspected OSAS were enrolled in the study. All children underwent sleep clinical record (SCR), pulse oximetry, and polysomnography (PSG). ResultsA total of 248 children with SDB were recruited (128 obese and 120 normal-weight children). Obese children showed higher oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and lower nadir oxygen saturation (nadir SaO2) compared to non-obese children (p < 0.05). ODI and nadir SaO2 correlated with obesity (p < 0.05). The SCR evaluation showed that deep bite and overjet were more common among obese children (p < 0.05), whereas habitual nasal obstruction and arched palate were more common among non-obese children (p < 0.05). Furthermore, skeletal malocclusion and tonsillar hypertrophy were significant risk factors in obese children associated with severe desaturation (p < 0.05). ConclusionObese children with SDB have a more significant oxygen desaturation; adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy is not the only important risk factor for its development but also the presence of malocclusions.