Objective: To explore the prevalence of central sleep apnea in different age groups of children with sleep apnea-hypopnea (SAH).
Methods: A total of 431 children with SAH diagnosed by overnight polysomnography at our Sleep Center were retrospectively studied. They were divided into 3 groups based on their ages: toddler group (1 - < 3 years old), preschool group (3 - < 6 years old) and school group (6 - < 13 years old). The relationship between age and different types of apnea-hyponea index (AHI) was analyzed. And the prevalence of central sleep apnea and sleep structure were compared between the groups.
Results: A negative correlation existed between age and central sleep apnea index (r = -0.322, P < 0.01). However, there was no correlation between age and obstructive apnea index (P > 0.05). AHI was similar in different age groups, but the medians of central sleep apnea index for toddler, preschool and school groups were 2.35, 1.50 and 0.90 events/h respectively (all P < 0.01). Sleep structure was similar between the groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Central sleep apnea is common in children with sleep disordered breathing. The younger their ages, a higher prevalence of central sleep apnea.