Screening and risk assessment for sleep-related breathing disorders in individuals living with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: This research work was performed: (1) To assess the accessibility of in-laboratory polysomnography for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); (2) to evaluate the validity of four screening questionnaires for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs); and (3) to assess the association between anthropometric features and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). METHODS: An Environmental scan (E-scan) was performed in the province of Ontario, where all sleep clinics were invited to complete the E-scan survey. Furthermore, a cross-sectional study was performed at a rehabilitation hospital (Canada), where consecutive adults with subacute/chronic (>1 month) SCI were recruited. Using a home-based screening sleep test (HBSST), the validity of the Berlin, STOP, Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale [MOS-SS], and STOP-Bang screening questionnaires was assessed. The association between AHI and three features (i.e., neck circumference, body mass index [BMI] and oropharynx opening as assessed using the Modified Mallampati classification [MMC]) was evaluated. RESULTS: According to the E-scan, access to polysomnography is limited for the SCI population in Ontario. Of the 28 participants with SCI (11 females, 17 males; mean age: 54.9 years) included in the cross-sectional study, 32.1 % were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SRBD. The performance of the questionnaires was considered insufficient for screening of individuals living with SCI. AHI was not associated with neck circumference, BMI, or MMC. CONCLUSIONS: Those results suggest that the use of a HBSST could overcome the barriers for individuals with SCI to access diagnostic testing of SRBDs. The use of screening questionnaires and risk assessment for SRBDs in the SCI population is unreliable.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Sleep Apnea Management: A Critical Evaluation of the Impact of Therapy on Health Care Costs.

TOPIC IMPORTANCE: OSA is a widespread condition that significantly affects both health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). If left untreated, OSA can lead to accidents, decreased productivity, and medical complications, resulting in significant economic burdens including the direct costs of managing the disorder. Given the constraints on health care resources, understanding the cost-effectiveness of OSA management is crucial. A key factor in cost-effectiveness is whether OSA therapies reduce medical costs associated with OSA-related complications. REVIEW FINDINGS: Treatments for OSA have been shown to enhance HRQoL, particularly for symptomatic patients with moderate or severe disease. Economic studies also have demonstrated that these treatments are highly cost-effective. However, although substantial empirical evidence shows that untreated OSA is associated with increased medical costs, uncertainty remains about the impact of OSA treatment on these costs. Randomized controlled trials of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy have failed to demonstrate cost reductions, but the studies have had important limitations. Observational studies suggest that PAP therapy may temper increases in costs, but only among patients who are highly adherent to treatment. However, the healthy adherer effect is an important potential source of bias in these studies. SUMMARY: OSA management is cost-effective, although uncertainties persist regarding the therapy's impact on medical costs. Future studies should focus on reducing bias, particularly the healthy adherer effect, and addressing other confounding factors to clarify potential medical cost savings. Promising avenues to further understanding include using quasiexperimental designs, incorporating more sophisticated characterization of OSA severity and symptoms, and leveraging newer technologies (eg, big data, wearables, and artificial intelligence).

Assessment of Sleep Disorders in Patients with CVID.

Inborn errors of immunity have been associated with reduced health-related quality of life and increased fatigue. Sleep disorders, which have been shown to contribute to fatigue and other health concerns, are prevalent in the general population, but there are limited studies evaluating these conditions in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of fatigue, sleep disturbances, and sleep-disordered breathing in adults with CVID. Patients completed 4 validated, self-administered questionnaires and a 1-night disposable home sleep apnea test. Our results demonstrated increased median Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System fatigue scores of 58.7 in patients with CVID in addition to clinically significant fatigue as measured by Fatigue Severity Scale score (median, 5.2) and overall poor sleep quality based on global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (median, 9.0). For CVID patients who completed the home sleep apnea test, 76.9% met criteria for sleep-disordered breathing with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index score of 5 or greater. The results of our study indicate that patients with CVID may have increased rates of undiagnosed sleep disorders that may contribute to increased fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life.

Sleep disordered breathing assessment in patient with slowly progressive neuromuscular disease.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Focusing on hypercapnia may lead to the neglect of other SDB such as obstructive and/or central sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). Our objectives were to assess the risk of inappropriate SDB management according to different screening strategies and to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of isolated and overlapping sleep apnea in patients with slowly progressive NMD. METHODS: This monocentric, cross-sectional, retrospective study analyzed medical records of adult NMD patients referred to a sleep department. Diagnostic strategies, including respiratory polygraphy (RP), nocturnal transcutaneous capnography (tcCO2), and blood gases (BG), were assessed for their performance in diagnosing SDB. Demographics and pulmonary function test results were compared between patients with or without SDB to identify predictors. RESULTS: Among the 149 patients who underwent a full diagnostic panel (RP + tcCO2 + BG), 109 were diagnosed with SDB. Of these, 33% had isolated SAS, and central apneas were predominant. Using single diagnostic strategies would lead to inappropriate SDB management in two thirds of patients. A combination of 2 diagnostic tools resulted respectively in 21.1, 22.9 and 42.2 % of inappropriate SDB management for RP + tcCO2, RP + BG and tcCO2 + BG. CONCLUSION: The significant prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome in patients with slowly progressive NMD highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians. Improved diagnostics involve a systematic approach addressing both sleep apnea and diurnal and nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation to avoid inappropriate management and limit the consequences of SDB.

Association between sleep disorders and health care utilization in children with chronic medical conditions: a Medicaid claims data analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the risk of increased health care utilization (HU) linked to individual sleep disorders in children with chronic medical conditions. METHODS: Medicaid claims data from a cohort of 16,325 children enrolled in the Coordinated Healthcare for Complex Kids (CHECK) project were used. Sleep disorders and chronic medical conditions were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth, and 10th Revision, codes. Three HU groups were identified based on participants' prior hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits in the 12 months prior to enrollment: low (no hospitalization or ED visit), medium (1-2 hospitalizations or 1-3 ED visits), and high (≥ 3 hospitalizations or ≥ 4 ED visits). The odds of being in an increased HU group associated with specific sleep disorders after controlling for confounding factors were examined. RESULTS: Children with chronic medical conditions and any sleep disorder had nearly twice the odds (odds ratio = 1.83; 95% confidence interval: 1.67-2.01) of being in an increased HU group compared with those without a sleep disorder. The odds of being in the increased HU group varied among sleep disorders. Only sleep-disordered breathing (odds ratio = 1.51; 95% confidence interval : 1.17-1.95), insomnia (odds ratio = 1.46; 95% confidence interval : 1.06-2.02), and circadian rhythm sleep disorder (odds ratio = 2.45; 95% confidence interval : 1.07-5.64) increased those odds. Younger age and being White were also linked to increased HU. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are associated with increased risk of heightened HU (ED visits and/or hospitalizations) in children with chronic medical conditions. This risk varies by specific sleep disorders. These findings indicate the need for careful evaluation and management of sleep disorders in this high-risk cohort. CITATION: Adavadkar PA, Brooks L, Pappalardo AA, Schwartz A, Rasinski K, Martin MA. Association between sleep disorders and health care utilization in children with chronic medical conditions: a Medicaid claims data analysis. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):595-601.

Sleep apnea in end-stage renal disease patients: Impact on cardiovascular and neurological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep apnea (SA) is an important comorbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The association between SA and cardiac and neurological disease is known. This study investigates the relationship between SA and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in the ESRD population. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, the United States Renal Data System was queried to identify ESRD patients aged 18-100 years in whom hemodialysis had been initiated between 2005 and 2013. Diagnoses of SA and clinical comorbidities were determined from International Classification of Disease-9 codes. Demographic variables were obtained from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Form-2728. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of SA with myocardial infarction (MI) or with stroke, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: Of 858,131 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria, 587 had central SA, and 22,724 had obstructive SA. The SA cohort was younger, more likely to be male and Caucasian compared to the non-SA cohort. Patients with SA also had more tobacco and alcohol use, hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes. Central SA (aRR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.28-2.23) and obstructive SA (aRR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.21) were associated with an increased risk of stroke but not MI. CONCLUSION: In the ESRD population, a diagnosis of central SA or obstructive SA increased the risk of stroke, but not MI. Early identification and treatment of SA in the ESRD population may help reduce the risk of stroke in these patients.

The OSA patient journey: pathways for diagnosis and treatment among commercially insured individuals in the United States.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to characterize obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) care pathways among commercially insured individuals in the United States and to investigate between-groups differences in population, care delivery, and economic aspects. METHODS: We identified adults with OSA using a large, national administrative claims database (January 1, 2016-February 28, 2020). Inclusion criteria included a diagnostic sleep test on or within ≤ 12 months of OSA diagnosis (index date) and 12 months of continuous enrollment before and after the index date. Exclusion criteria included prior OSA treatment or central sleep apnea. OSA care pathways were identified using sleep testing health care procedural health care common procedure coding system/current procedural terminology codes then selected for analysis if they were experienced by ≥ 3% of the population and assessed for baseline demographic/clinical characteristics that were also used for model adjustment. Primary outcome was positive airway pressure initiation rate; secondary outcomes were time from first sleep test to initiation of positive airway pressure, sleep test costs, and health care resource utilization. Associations between pathway type and time to treatment initiation were assessed using generalized linear models. RESULTS: Of 86,827 adults with OSA, 92.1% received care in 1 of 5 care pathways that met criteria: home sleep apnea testing (HSAT; 30.8%), polysomnography (PSG; 23.6%), PSG-Titration (19.8%), Split-night (14.8%), and HSAT-Titration (3.2%). Pathways had significantly different demographic and clinical characteristics. HSAT-Titration had the highest positive airway pressure initiation rate (84.6%) and PSG the lowest (34.4%). After adjustments, time to treatment initiation was significantly associated with pathway (P < .0001); Split-night had shortest duration (median, 28 days), followed by HSAT (36), PSG (37), PSG-Titration (58), and HSAT-Titration (75). HSAT had the lowest sleep test costs and health care resource utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct OSA care pathways exist and are associated with differences in population, care delivery, and economic aspects. CITATION: Wickwire EM, Zhang X, Munson SH, et al. The OSA patient journey: pathways for diagnosis and treatment among commercially insured individuals in the United States. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):505-514.

The ethics of hypopnea scoring.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In February of 2023, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a "recommended" way to score hypopneas using 1A criteria (scoring of hypopneas using a ≥ 3% oxygen desaturation from pre-event baseline) that is at odds with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate of scoring hypopneas using a ≥ 4% oxygen desaturation from pre-event baseline. This dichotomy will present an ethical dilemma for sleep medicine providers. METHODS: We use the principles of medical ethics to discuss the challenges this discrepancy poses for sleep medicine providers. RESULTS: Disparate hypopnea scoring undermines beneficent patient care and impairs providers' duty to deliver just, equitable care, hence violating the principles of justice and beneficence. This primarily affects older adults, the disabled, the "medically needy," and those living at the federal poverty line dependent on public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This discrepancy creates a situation that falls below acceptable levels of health care justice. It is recommended that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop a scoring policy that consistently promotes individual sleep health regardless of payor. CITATION: Skolnik C, Attarian H. The ethics of hypopnea scoring. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):615-617.

Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Aging Among Cognitively Impaired Versus Unimpaired Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sleep disorders often predict or co-occur with cognitive decline. Yet, little is known about how the relationship unfolds among older adults at risk for cognitive decline. To examine the associations of sleep disorders with cognitive decline in older adults with unimpaired cognition or impaired cognition (mild cognitive impairment and dementia). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 5,822 participants (Mage = 70) of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database with unimpaired or impaired cognition were followed for 3 subsequent waves. Four types of clinician-diagnosed sleep disorders were reported: sleep apnea, hyposomnia/insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, or "other." Cognition over time was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or an estimate of general cognitive ability (GCA) derived from scores based on 12 neuropsychological tests. Growth curve models were estimated adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: In participants with impaired cognition, baseline sleep apnea was related to better baseline MoCA performance (b = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.07, 1.23]) and less decline in GCA over time (b = 0.06, 95% CI = [0.001, 0.12]). Baseline insomnia was related to better baseline MoCA (b = 1.54, 95% CI = [0.88, 2.21]) and less decline in MoCA over time (b = 0.56, 95% CI = [0.20, 0.92]). Furthermore, having more sleep disorders (across the 4 types) at baseline predicted better baseline MoCA and GCA, and less decline in MoCA and GCA over time. These results were only found in those with impaired cognition and generally consistent when using self-reported symptoms of sleep apnea or insomnia. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Participants with sleep disorder diagnoses may have better access to healthcare, which may help maintain cognition through improved sleep.

Polysomnography scoring-related training and quantitative assessment for improving interscorer agreement.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To efficiently improve the scoring competency of scorers with varying levels of experience across regions in Taiwan, we developed a training program with a cloud-based polysomnography scoring platform to evaluate and improve interscorer agreement. METHODS: A total of 70 scorers from 34 sleep centers in Taiwan (job tenure: 0.5-39.0 years) completed a scoring test. All scorers scored a 742-epoch (30 s/epoch) overnight polysomnography recording of a patient with a moderate apnea-hypopnea index. Subsequently, 8 scoring experts delivered 8 interactive online lectures (each lasting 30 minutes). The training program included identifying scoring weaknesses, highlighting the latest scoring rules, and providing physicians' perspectives. Afterward, the scorers completed the second scoring test on the same participant. Changes in agreement from the first to second scoring test were identified. Sleep staging, sleep parameters, and respiratory events were considered for evaluating scoring agreement. RESULTS: The scorers' agreement in overall sleep stage scoring significantly increased from 74.6 to 82.3% (median score). The proportion of scorers with an agreement of ≥ 80% increased from 20.0% (14/70) to 58.6% (41/70) after the online training program. In addition, the scorers' agreement in overall respiratory-event scoring increased to 88.8% (median score) after training. The scorers with a job tenure of 2.0-4.9 years exhibited the highest level of improvement in overall sleep staging (their median agreement increased from 72.8 to 84.9%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our interactive online training program efficiently targeted the scorers' scoring weaknesses identified in the first scoring test, leading to substantial improvements in scoring proficiency. CITATION: Liao Y-S, Wu M-C, Li C-X, Lin W-K, Lin C-Y, Liang S-F. Polysomnography scoring-related training and quantitative assessment for improving interscorer agreement. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(2):271-278.

Recommended assessment and management of sleep disordered breathing in patients with atrial fibrillation, hypertension and heart failure: Taiwan Society of Cardiology/Taiwan Society of sleep Medicine/Taiwan Society of pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine joint consensus statement.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent and may be linked to cardiovascular disease in a bidirectional manner. The Taiwan Society of Cardiology, Taiwan Society of Sleep Medicine and Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine established a task force of experts to evaluate the evidence regarding the assessment and management of SDB in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The GRADE process was used to assess the evidence associated with 15 formulated questions. The task force developed recommendations and determined strength (Strong, Weak) and direction (For, Against) based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use. The resulting 11 recommendations are intended to guide clinicians in determining which the specific patient-care strategy should be utilized by clinicians based on the needs of individual patients.

Assessment of oropharyngeal respiratory volume and sleep apnoea scores using peripheral arterial tonometry may improve diagnosis and treatment planning of combined dysgnathia therapy approaches.

BACKGROUND: Increased daytime sleepiness is a frequently reported symptom in patients with pronounced dysgnathia. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated possible correlations using home peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and oropharyngeal airway volume determination in patients with dysgnathia and daytime sleepiness. METHODS: Twenty patients (13 male, median age 27.6 ± 6.8 years) with abnormal sleep history and 10 skeletal neutral configured controls (6 male, median age 29.5 ± 4.2 years) with normal sleep history were examined. Patients and controls were evaluated for apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), snoring volume (dB), total sleep time (TST) and REM-percentage (REM). Airway volumetry was measured via CBCT. Individual user experience for PAT was assessed using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). RESULTS: Patients had significantly higher respiratory scores than controls. AHI increased 4.6-fold (p = .006), RDI 2.5-fold (p = .008) and ODI 6.4-fold (p < .001). Oropharyngeal volumes showed a 30% decrease (p = .003). dB, TST and REM showed no significant differences. AHI (r = -.51; p = .005), ODI (r = -.60; p < .001) and RDI (r = -.45; p = .016) correlated negatively with pharyngeal volume. Wits appraisal correlated negatively with oropharyngeal volume (r = -.47; p = .010) and positively with AHI (r = .41; p = .03) and ODI (r = .49; p = .007). dB and TST (r = -.49; p = .008) and REM and RDI (r = -.43; p = .02) correlated negatively. UEQ-KPI (2.17 ± 0.24) confirmed excellent usability of PAT. CONCLUSION: Patients with mandibular retrognathia and abnormal sleep history showed significantly higher respiratory indices and smaller oropharyngeal volumes than neutrally configured controls. The dygnathia severity directly influenced the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

A Portable Low-Cost Respiration Rate Measurement System for Sleep Apnea Detection.

Continuous monitoring of breathing activity is vital in detecting respiratory-based diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypopnea. Sleep apnea (SA) is a potentially dangerous sleep problem that occurs when a person's breathing stops and begins periodically while they sleep. In addition, SA interrupts sleep, causing significant daytime sleepiness, weirdness, and irritability. This study aims to design a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor-based system to analyze the respiratory rate of humans. The results of the developed system is validated with the Equivital Wireless Physiological Systems for different activities. Further, the experiment has been designed to identify the optimal sensor placement location for efficient respiration rate estimation during different activities. The performance of the developed model has been quantified using breathing rate estimation accuracy (% BREA) and mean absolute error (MAE). Among all sensor placement locations and activities combinations, a window size of 30sec resulted in the worst performance, whereas a window size ≥ 60sec resulted in a better performance (p-value<0.05). In addition, the performance of the model has been found consistent for window size ≥ 60sec (p-value>0.05). For activity 3 (lying straight), comparably similar performance, 0.52±0.24 and 0.52±0.12 (p-value>0.05) have been depicted by the sensor placement position 3 (Abdomen) and position 1 (chest), respectively. Further, for the other two activities, activity 1 (sitting and working) and activity 2 (sitting straight), the best performance has been depicted as 0.32±0.18, 0.49±0.21 respectively (p-value<0.05), by the sensor placement position 2 (left ribs). This research presents a reliable, cost-effective, portable respiration monitoring system that could detect SA during sleep.

Sleep habits and orofacial myofunctional self-assessment of children at risk for sleep breathing disorders. / Hábitos de sono e autoavaliação miofuncional orofacial de crianças com risco para distúrbios respiratórios do sono.

PURPOSE: To identify orofacial myofunctional complaints and sleep-disordered breathing and correlate them with sleep habits in childhood. METHODS: The study included 71 parents/guardians of public school children aged 6 to 11 years. They answered a form with semi-structured medical history questions and the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening - interview, the Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool Questionnaire, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - all of them in their Portuguese/Brazilian versions in an online format. Statistical analyses used Spearman's correlation, setting the significance level at 5%. RESULTS: There were 29 female children (40.8%) and 42 male ones (59.2%), with a mean age of 8.52 years. The study found orofacial myofunctional complaints related to breathing functions (35.2%), chewing and swallowing (32.4%), and deleterious habits (33.8%). All children were at a low risk of sleep-disordered breathing. As for sleep habits, 23 children (32.39%) had a lower total score, whereas 48 children (67.61%) exceeded 41 points. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between the risk of sleep-disordered breathing in children with complaints of orofacial myofunctional disorders and poor sleep quality/habits.

OBJETIVO: Identificar e correlacionar as queixas de alterações miofuncionais orofaciais e de risco para distúrbios respiratórios do sono com hábitos de sono na infância. MÉTODO: Participaram 71 pais ou responsáveis de crianças de 6 a 11 anos, matriculadas em uma escola pública. Foi aplicado um formulário com questões semiestruturadas/anamnese e os protocolos Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening - entrevista, Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool Questionnaire, e Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - todos em suas versões em português/Brasil no formato online. Para a análise estatística, realizou-se o teste de correlação de Spearman, considerando o nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: 29 crianças eram do sexo feminino (40,8%) e 42 do sexo masculino (59,2%), com média de idade de 8,52 anos. As queixas miofuncionais orofaciais encontradas foram relacionadas às funções de respiração (35,2%), mastigação e deglutição (32,4%) e hábitos deletérios (33,8%). Todas as crianças apresentaram um baixo risco para distúrbios respiratórios do sono e quanto aos hábitos de sono, 23 crianças (32,39%) apresentaram uma somatória menor, enquanto que 48 crianças (67,61%) ultrapassaram 41 pontos. CONCLUSÃO: Houve correlação entre risco para distúrbios respiratórios do sono em crianças com as queixas de alterações miofuncionais orofaciais e com a baixa qualidade/maus hábitos de sono.

Longitudinal Assessment of Sleep Apnea in the Year After Stroke in a Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to characterize change in sleep-disordered breathing severity in the year following stroke, overall, and by ethnicity, within the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project. METHODS: First-ever ischemic strokes (n=414) were ascertained by active and passive surveillance and validated by stroke-trained physicians. Patients with stroke were invited to participate in portable sleep apnea testing (ApneaLink Plus) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months poststroke. Sleep-disordered breathing severity was assessed by the respiratory event index (apneas and hypopneas/hour of recording). The component obstructive apnea index and central apnea index were also assessed. Time and ethnicity effects on outcomes, as well as ethnic differences in time effects, were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with multivariable adjustment for confounding factors. RESULTS: Mean age (n=414) was 63.9 years (SD=10.9); 68.4% were Mexican American. Baseline mean respiratory event index, obstructive apnea index, and central apnea index were 21.3 (SD=16.6), 8.6 (SD=11.5), and 1.5 (SD=3.2), respectively. There was no time effect on respiratory event index (P=0.35) but obstructive apnea index increased over time (P<0.01). Averaged over follow-up, respiratory event index and obstructive apnea index were significantly higher in Mexican American than non-Hispanic White persons. No ethnic difference in the time effect was found for either outcome. For central apnea index, there was an ethnicity-time interaction (P=0.01) such that central apnea index increased in non-Hispanic White but did not change in Mexican American persons. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-disordered breathing severity was significant and stable for most individuals in the year after stroke. These results do not confirm previous reports of diminishing sleep-disordered breathing severity over time after stroke and would support early assessment and treatment where indicated.

Impact of sleep apnoea on 30 day hospital readmission rate and cost in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: In this study, we estimated the 30 day all-cause and heart failure-specific readmission rates, predictors, mortality, and hospitalization costs in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea admitted with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality's National Readmission Database for the year 2019. The primary outcome was the 30 day all-cause hospital readmission rate. The secondary outcomes were (i) in-hospital mortality rate for index admissions; (ii) 30 day mortality rate for index hospitalizations; (iii) the five most common principal diagnosis for readmission; (iv) readmission in-hospital mortality rate; (v) length of hospital stay; (vi) independent risk factors for readmission; and (vii) hospitalization costs. We identified 6908 hospitalizations that met our study definition. The mean patient age was 62.8 years, and women comprised only 27.6% of patients. The 30 day all-cause readmission rate was 23.4%. 48.9% of readmissions were due to decompensated heart failure. The in-hospital mortality rate during readmissions was significantly higher than that of the index admission (5.6% vs. 2.4%; P < 0.05). The mean length of stay for patients during index admissions was 6.5 days (6.06-7.02), while during readmissions, it was 8.5 days (7.4-9.6; P < 0.05). The mean total hospitalization charges at index admissions were $78 438 (68 053-88 824), while during readmissions, they were higher at $124 282 (90 906-157 659; P < 0.05). The mean total cost of hospitalization during index admissions was $20 535 (18 311-22 758), while at readmissions, it was higher at $29 954 (24 041-35 867; P < 0.05). The total hospital charges for all 30 day readmissions were $195 million, and total hospital costs was $46.9 million. The variables found to be associated with increased rate of readmissions were patients with Medicaid insurance, higher Charlson co-morbidity Index, and longer length of stay. The variables associated with lower rate of readmissions were prior percutaneous coronary intervention and patients with private insurance. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea admitted with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, we found a substantial all-cause readmission rate of 23.4% with heart failure readmission constituting about 48.9% of readmissions. Readmissions were associated with higher mortality and resource use.

Sleep in children from northeastern Brazil with congenital Zika syndrome: assessment using polysomnography.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We performed this study to describe the characteristics of sleep in children with congenital Zika syndrome through polysomnographic assessment. METHODS: Polysomnography with neurological setup and capnography was performed. Respiratory events were scored according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Children were classified based on neuroclinical examination as having corticospinal plus neuromuscular abnormalities or exclusively corticospinal abnormalities. Neuroradiological classification was based on imaging exams, with children classed as having supratentorial plus infratentorial abnormalities or exclusively supratentorial abnormalities. RESULTS: Of 65 children diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome, sleep apnea was present in 23 children (35.4%), desaturation in 26 (40%), and snoring in 13 (20%). The most prevalent apnea type was central in 15 children (65.2%), followed by obstructive apnea in 5 (21.7%) and mixed type in 3 (13%). The average of the lowest saturation recorded was slightly below normal (89.1 ± 4.9%) and the mean partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide value was normal. Periodic leg movements were present in 48 of 65 children. Lower ferritin levels were observed in 84.6% of children. Palatine and pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) were small in most children and not associated with the presence of obstructive apnea. Ventriculomegaly and subcortical and nucleus calcification were the most frequent neuroimaging findings. Supratentorial and infratentorial anomalies were present in 26.7% (16 of 60) and exclusively supratentorial changes in 73.3% (44 of 60). In the neuroclinical classification, isolated corticospinal changes were more frequent and the mean peak in capnography was lower in this group. There was no difference regarding the presence of apnea for children in the neuroclinical and neuroradiological classification groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders were frequent in children with congenital Zika syndrome, with central sleep apnea being the main finding. CITATION: Brandão Marquis V, de Oliveira Melo A, Pradella-Hallinan M, et al. Sleep in children from northeastern Brazil with congenital Zika syndrome: assessment using polysomnography. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(10):1759-1767.

Identifying barriers to obstructive sleep-disordered breathing care: Parental perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: Despite established clinical practice guidelines for pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), disparities persist for this common condition. Few studies have investigated parental experiences about challenges faced in obtaining SDB evaluation and tonsillectomy for their children. To better understand parent-perceived barriers to treatment of childhood SDB, we administered a survey to assess parental knowledge of this condition. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was designed to be completed by parents of children diagnosed with SDB. Two validated surveys were administered: 1) Barriers to Care Questionnaire and 2) Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Adenotonsillectomy Knowledge Scale for Parents. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess for predictors of parental barriers to SDB care and knowledge. RESULTS: Eighty parents completed the survey. Mean patient age was 7.4 ± 4.6 years, and 48 (60%) patients were male. The survey response rate was 51%. Patient racial/ethnic categories included 48 (60.0%) non-Hispanic White, 18 (22.5%) non-Hispanic Black, and 14 (17.5%) Other. Parents reported challenges in the 'Pragmatic' domain, including appointment availability and cost of healthcare, as the most frequently described barrier to care. Adjusting for age, sex, race, and education, parents in the middle-income bracket ($26,500 - $79,500) had higher odds of reporting greater barriers to care than parents in the highest (>$79,500) income tier (OR 5.536, 95% CI 1.312-23.359, P = 0.020) and lowest income tier (<$26,500) (OR 3.920, 95% CI 1.096-14.020). Parents whose children had tonsillectomy (n = 40) answered only a mean 55.7% ± 13.3% of questions correctly on the knowledge scale. CONCLUSION: Pragmatic challenges were the most encountered barrier that parents reported in accessing SDB care. Families in the middle-income tier experienced the greatest barriers to SDB care compared to lower and higher income families. In general, parental knowledge of SDB and tonsillectomy was relatively low. These findings represent potential areas of improvement to target interventions to promote equitable care for SDB.

Sleep assessment in adults with Down syndrome: correlation between functionality and polysomnographic findings.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders have a negative impact on health, being associated with neurocognitive problems, cardiovascular diseases and obesity, influencing children's development and learning. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep pattern of people with Down syndrome (DS) and correlate changes with functionality and behavior. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the sleep pattern in adults with DS > 18 years old. Twenty-two participants were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Functional Independence Measure and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the 11 who presented indications of disorders by the screening questionnaires were referred to polysomnography. Statistical tests were performed using a significance level of 5%, including sample normality tests and correlation tests (sleep and functionality). RESULTS: Impairment in sleep architecture was found due to an increase in the rate of awakenings in 100% of the participants, a decrease in the number of slow waves, and a high prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), with higher averages in the Apnea and Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the group. There was a negative correlation between sleep quality and global functionality (p = 0.011) and the motor (p = 0.074), cognitive (p = 0.010), and personal care (p = 0.072) dimensions in the group. Global and hyperactivity behavior changes were related to worse sleep quality (p = 0.072; p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: There is an impairment in the sleep quality of adults with DS, with an increase in the rate of awakenings, a decrease in the number of slow waves, and a high prevalence of SDB affecting this population in the functional and behavioral aspects.

ANTECEDENTES: Os distúrbios de sono têm impacto negativo na saúde, estando associados a problemas neurocognitivos, doenças cardiovasculares e obesidade, influenciando no desenvolvimento e aprendizado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão de sono de pessoas com síndrome de Down (SD) e correlacionar as alterações com a funcionalidade e comportamento. MéTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal para avaliação do padrão de sono em adultos com SD > 18 anos. Foram avaliados 22 participantes, através do Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, da Medida de Independência Funcional e do Questionaário de Capacidades e Dificuldades. Os 11 participantes que apresentaram indicativos de presença de distúrbios pelos questionários de triagem foram indicados a polissonografia. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados com nível de significância de 5%, incluindo testes de normalidade e testes de correlação (sono e funcionalidade). RESULTADOS: Foi encontrado prejuízo na arquitetura de sono pelo aumento do índice de despertares em 100% dos participantes, diminuição na quantidade de ondas lentas, e alta prevalência de distúrbio respiratório do sono (DRS), com maiores médias nos Índices de Apneia e Hipopneia (IAH). Houve correlação negativa entre a qualidade de sono e a funcionalidade global (p = 0,011), e as dimensões motora (p = 0,074), cognitiva (p = 0,010) e cuidados pessoais (p = 0,072). As alterações de comportamento global e comportamentos de hiperatividade foram relacionados à pior qualidade do sono (p = 0,072; p = 0,015, respectivamente). CONCLUSãO: Existe prejuízo na qualidade de sono de adultos com SD, com aumento de índice de despertares, diminuição na quantidade de ondas lentas, e alta prevalência de DRS, afetando essa população nos aspectos funcionais e comportamentais.

At-home wireless sleep monitoring patches for the clinical assessment of sleep quality and sleep apnea.

Although many people suffer from sleep disorders, most are undiagnosed, leading to impairments in health. The existing polysomnography method is not easily accessible; it's costly, burdensome to patients, and requires specialized facilities and personnel. Here, we report an at-home portable system that includes wireless sleep sensors and wearable electronics with embedded machine learning. We also show its application for assessing sleep quality and detecting sleep apnea with multiple patients. Unlike the conventional system using numerous bulky sensors, the soft, all-integrated wearable platform offers natural sleep wherever the user prefers. In a clinical study, the face-mounted patches that detect brain, eye, and muscle signals show comparable performance with polysomnography. When comparing healthy controls to sleep apnea patients, the wearable system can detect obstructive sleep apnea with an accuracy of 88.5%. Furthermore, deep learning offers automated sleep scoring, demonstrating portability, and point-of-care usability. At-home wearable electronics could ensure a promising future supporting portable sleep monitoring and home healthcare.