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 by the use of polysomnography.
Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional retrospective study included 112 children and adolescents aged 0-18 years who were referred to the sleep ward of Qazvin children's hospital due to sleep disorders. After recording the participants’ comprehensive demographic and medical history, questionnaires regarding their sleep history were filled in by their parents. Then the results of polysomnography and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were identified. SPSS 21 software and frequency tables 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 adenotonsillectomy, 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: Symptoms of respiratory disorders 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 of sleep disorder to a physician is essential for control and treatment of this disease.