Epidemiology. Risk factors and genetic influence

Epidemiological studies of sleep-disordered breathing in broad population samples are scarce. Nevertheless, currently available data indicate that habitual snoring is present in 7.45 % (95 % CI: 5.75-9.61) of the child population. Approximately 10 % of habitual snorers develop sleep apnea. However,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Acta otorrinolaringologica espanola Vol. 61 Suppl 1; p. 7
Main Authors:	Pin Arboledas, Gonzalo, Roselló, Amalia Lluch, Alarcó, Magdalena Cubel, Safort, Marisa Morell
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	Spanish
Published:	Spain 01-12-2010
Subjects:	Child Humans Prevalence Risk Factors Sleep Apnea Syndromes - epidemiology Sleep Apnea Syndromes - genetics
Online Access:	Get more information
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Summary:	Epidemiological studies of sleep-disordered breathing in broad population samples are scarce. Nevertheless, currently available data indicate that habitual snoring is present in 7.45 % (95 % CI: 5.75-9.61) of the child population. Approximately 10 % of habitual snorers develop sleep apnea. However, in children with associated comorbidity (obesity, asthma…) or clinical symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, the association between snoring and sleep apnea is significantly increased. The prevalence of sleep apnea according to parents' or guardians' observation of apnea episodes is 0.2-4 %. When the diagnosis is based on questionnaires administered directly to parents, the prevalence increases to 4-11 %. If diagnosis is made by objective means, the prevalence ranges from 1-4 %. Obesity is currently a major risk factor. In obese children, the prevalence of sleep apnea oscillates between 4.69 % and 6.6 % and consequently screening of sleep-disordered breathing in obese patients with or without suggestive symptoms should be routine. Genetic factors strongly influence sleep-disordered breathing and seem to account for 35-40 % of the variance in this disorder, although their precise role has yet to be clarified. Genetic study opens up an important gateway in the future medical approach to sleep-disordered breathing.
ISSN:	1988-3013
DOI:	10.1016/S0001-6519(10)71239-5