Systolic Blood Pressure Elevation in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Improved with Positive Airway Pressure Use

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on blood pressure (BP) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study design: Retrospective chart review of children aged 7-17 referred to Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for the evaluation of snoring. Data collected included age, body mass index (BMI), BP, heart rate, apnea-hypopnea index, and oxygen saturation nadir. Children were divided into 3 groups: snorers, untreated OSA, and OSA treated with CPAP. Seventy-five children were identified, 25 in each group.

Results: There was no difference in age or apnea-hypopnea index among the groups. The CPAP group had higher BMI than the snorers and untreated OSA groups. Systolic BP was higher in the 2 OSA groups compared with the snorers. After CPAP treatment, systolic BP decreased. The BP decrease was significantly greater in patients with higher BMI at baseline. There was no significant change in diastolic BP in the 3 groups.

Conclusion: Children with OSA have higher systolic BP than habitual snorers. Treatment with CPAP in children with OSA for 6 months reduced their systolic BP despite a small increase in their BMI.

Keywords: CPAP; obstructive sleep apnea; systolic blood pressure.