Sl eep obstructive breathing disorders are frequent in children but the impact of sleep deprivation on the cognitive learning function is unclear. Aim: To establish whether patients with sleep obstructive breathing disorders show any functional change in learning, memory and attention. Material and Methods: Eighty-one children aged from 6 to 12 years were divided into 3 groups: obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), n=24; primary snoring (PS), n=37; and control, n=20. The groups were assessed using learning (Rey) and psychological (Digit, Code, Letter Concealing, and Symbol) tests. Results: OSAS and PS children showed statistically significant worse performance on the variable A1 in Rey test (learning and memory) when compared with controls (p=0.011). PS children had an even worse performance on the variables A2, A4, AT and A6 compared to OSAS participants and controls (p=0.020;p=0.050;p=0.004,p= 0.05). Conclusion: Children with obstructive sleep breathing disorders, in particular PS, show worse Rey test scores. PS and OSAS children performed similarly in attention tests.

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Ai m: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior in children with obstructive sleep disorder. Study design: Prospective study. Material and method: Children's parents (4 to 18 years old) completed the CBCL4/18 (Child Behavior Checklist) in the period of January to July 2005. Results: In the group, 12 (60%) were males and 8 (40%) females; the total problem score was abnormal in 5 children (25%); introversion was affected in 2 children (10%); extroversion in 5 children (25%). The scales of individual syndromes were abnormal in between 0 and 20% of patients. The individual scales most frequently affected were: total competency (20%), somatic complaints (10%), social problems (10%) and aggressive behavior (10%). Discussion: This study demonstrates high prevalence (25%) of abnormal behavior. Although widely reported as a common complication of pediatric OSAS, behavioral and neurocognitive disorders have mostly been inferred in several cases and studies. There are few recent studies using standardized assessment to evaluate these alterations. Our study presents preliminary results of the behavior of children with obstructive sleep disorders.

This study demonstrates high prevalence (25%) of abnormal behavior. Although widely reported as a common complication of pediatric OSAS, behavioral and neurocognitive disorders have mostly been inferred in several cases and studies. There are few recent studies using standardized assessment to evaluate these alterations. Our study presents preliminary results of the behavior of children with obstructive sleep disorders.