Clinical and polygraphic evolution of sleep-related breathing disorders in adolescents

¹ Medical-Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain
² Dept of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain
³ Dept of Critical Care Medicine, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain
⁴ Dept of Statistics, Seville University, Seville, Spain

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: m.sanchez.armengol.sspa{at}juntadeandalucia.es;.

	Abstract

It has been suggested that sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) involve a continuum that develops over the course of life. If modifiable factors could be identified, the progression of SRBD could perhaps be addressed early in life. Although some studies have looked at evolution of SRBD in prepubertal children, there are very few data in adolescents.

Anthropometric, clinical and polygraphic variables were collected in a 4-year follow-up study among 148 normal adolescents after initial cross sectional analysis.

Among a total of 267 adolescents studied at baseline (14.3±2.1 years), 148 (55.4%) were followed-up for 4 years. During follow-up, there were no significant changes in snoring and polygraphic parameters. However, a tendency toward weight gain with centrally distributed fat was observed. Habitual snorers had a significantly higher BMI and more centrally distributed fat than nonsnorers. Boys had a higher snoring prevalence and a higher number of respiratory events than girls. Snoring at baseline, male gender, and poor academic performance were significant predictors of snoring at follow-up.

Snoring tends to persist during adolescence and male gender acts as risk factor. A relationship between snoring and academic performance was observed. These findings may have implications for long-term management of SRBD.