Algorithm for the diagnosis of breathing disorders during sleep in children with neurological pathology

Introduction. Sleep disorders in children with nervous system pathology are more pronounced than in the general population. One of the most common causes of sleep disorders in children is sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of our study was to create an algorithm for the diagnosis of sleep breathing disorders in children with neurological pathology. 

Materials and methods. The results of night studies (160 polysomnographies, 98 cardiorespiratory monitorings) carried out in the department of instrumental diagnostics at the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health in 258 children (154 boys and 104 girls, aged one month to 17 years) with neurological pathology were analyzed. Questionnaires were used to assess the quality of sleep. An essential criterion for dividing children into groups was the presence of maxillofacial anomalies (MFA). The results were compared with complaints according to questionnaires, age, BMI and ENT-status of patients. 

Results. In the general sample, a significant (p < 0.001) relationship between respiratory disorders and complaints and the presence of ENT pathology was obtained. The most severe breathing disorders were recorded in children with MFA (p < 0.001). The result was the creation of an algorithm for examining children with neurological pathology. 

Conclusion. Children with neurological pathology in sleep-breathing disorders require a personalized approach to correcting the causes of these disturbances, depending on the nosology. Chronic pathology of the ENT organs aggravates respiratory disorders during sleep. Regular monitoring of sleep disorders using questionnaires should be included in the algorithm for managing children with neurological diseases of all ages for early detection of these disorders.

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