Polygraphy in hospitalized children under 3 months

Abstract

Introduction: Apnea and apparently lethal events have great etiological diversity thus complemen-Infant; tary tests may help diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe the results of polygraph studies Apnea; of children under 3 months hospitalized with suspected apnea.

Patients and Methods: Retrospective Sleep disorder case series. Children under 3 months with suspected apnea were considered and in whom a poly-breathing graphy (PG) was performed during hospitalization. General data, the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), index of central. apnea, obstructive apnea index, average and minimum saturation were recorded. Desaturation index (ID) below 80% higher 1 per hour, one or more events of desaturation below 80% for more than 20 seconds or an AHI greater than or equal 1 were considered as criteria of sleep disorder breathing (SLB). Descriptive analysis was performed and the associations between AHI and saturation parameters were determined.

Results: 51 patients, 32 males, entered the study. 15,6% had altered PG. In 5 of them coexisted more than one diagnostic criterion. Iin 15,6% of the patients was observed an IAH greater 1, in 7.8% a desaturation index below 80% and in 11,8% a desaturation index under 80% for 20 seconds greater than 1. The AHI was associated with the parameters of saturation.

Conclusion: Most of the patients had normal PG and among patients with a suggestive SLB a pattern of respiratory immaturity prevailed, which is characteristic of this age.