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Children with cystic fibrosis exhibit breathing abnormalities during sleep

Children with cystic fibrosis demonstrated higher respiratory load and abnormalities in gas exchange during sleep compared with controls, according to study results.

“Because these abnormalities were independent of weight and lung function, sleep state may serve as an opportunity for early detection of breathing abnormalities and possibly cystic fibrosis lung disease progression,” Shruti M. Paranjape, MD, of the Eudowood division of pediatric respiratory sciences at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and colleagues wrote.

Paranjape and colleagues analyzed breathing patterns and gas exchange on polysomnography among children with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls matched for BMI and age.

Children with cystic fibrosis had lower oxyhemoglobin saturation (95% ± 1.6% vs. 98% ± 0.6%; P = .005) compared with healthy age and BMI-matched patients. Further, children with cystic fibrosis had a higher respiratory rate (19.5 ± 4.9 breaths per minute vs. 16.5 ± 1.2 breaths per minute; P = .03) during rapid-eye movement sleep, as well as a higher inspiratory flow limitation (44.1% ± 24.7% vs. 12.1% ± 13.5%; P = .007).

Paranjape and colleagues noted no statistically significant difference in the respiratory disturbance index between children with cystic fibrosis (1.5 ± 2.7 events per hour) and the control group (0.6 ± 0.6 events per hour). – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: Healio.com was unable to confirm the researchers’ relevant financial disclosures at the time of reporting.