Evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adolescents referred to the sleep ward of Qazvin children's hospital during 2014-2019

Background: Polysomnography is a gold standard method for examination of information obtained from physiological changes in the body related to sleep. The aim of this study was to diagnose respiratory disorders in children and adolescents with sleep disorders using polysomnography. Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, the complete data of 112 children and adolescents aged 0-18 years that were referred to the sleep ward of Qazvin children's hospital due to sleep disorders were collected. The results of polysomnography and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were determined. SPSS 21 software and frequency table were used to determine the prevalence of the variables. Results: The most common sleep disorder was restless sleep (68; 60.71%). One hundred and four (92.85%) patients had sleep apnea. Also, 66 (58.92%) patients with severe OSA, 19 (16.96%) patients with moderate OSA, 14 (12.5%) patients with mild OSA and 5 (4.46%) patients with central sleep apnea were observed. Eighty eight (78.57%) children had less than normal sleep efficiency (less than 90%) and 34 (30.35%) had normal and desirable sleep efficiency. Total adenotonsilectomy, medical therapy for OSA and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) were recommended for 46 (41.7%), 27 (24.10%) and 20 (17.85%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: Respiratory disorders symptoms during sleep were seen in our results, especially in children with a history of adenotonsillectomy. Based on the severity of symptoms, medication was prescribed for children. Referral of children suspected to sleep disorders to a physician by parents is essential for control and treatment of this disease.