Pediatric polysomnographic studies at a tertiary-care hospital in Singapore.

Abstract

To investigate the indications for conducting polysomnography studies and their outcomes. Retrospective analysis of pediatric polysomnography studies performed over a four-year period (2009-2012). 425 diagnostic studies and 100 non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation titration studies were conducted. Of these, 389 were performed in male children. Obstructive sleep apnea was the most common diagnosis; 49.6% (211 studies). Other diagnoses included central apnea, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movement disorder. Night time symptoms (snoring, frequent night awakenings, restless sleep) were present in 294 children, and 161 children had daytime symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, early morning fatigue, poor concentration at school). 13 studies (2.5%) were inadequate for analysis, reflecting the challenges of conducting studies in children. Dedicated pediatric sleep laboratories with properly trained staff are important to minimize failure rates and diagnose these conditions accurately.