Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular complications

Objectives: The syndrome of the obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) is a clinical condition characterized by episodes of apnea during sleep often associated with snoring, irregular sleep, cyanosis, dyspnoea and paradoxical thoraco-abdominal movements. OSAS is present in approximately 2% of 3 to 6 years old children. The illness has been associated significantly to the presence of the adenoids and enlarged tonsils. A positive correlation between OSAS and cor pulmonale was reported in 1965, but the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children with OSAS is not yet known. In this study we have investigated OSAS and early cardiac complications. Methods: Thirty patients, aged 3 to 12 years, with OSAS diagnosis, were studied clinically and by Doppler echocardiography to detect early cardiac involvement and the myocardic performance index (IPM) was calculated. Results: Echographic exam did not show any significant modification in dimensions of the cardiac cavities of right and left hand sections, neither modifications in parietal kinetics. Tricuspidal regurgitation speed, the right ventricular IPM were similar in OSAS patients and in controls. In no patients there was evidence of pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale. Conclusions: These data which partially differ from those reported in literature, most probably reflect the early diagnosis along with a timely treatment in our patients.