Association of body anthropometry and obstructive sleep apnea in children: Variations observed in Hispanic children

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.Childhood obesity rates vary amongst different ethnic groups. Here the interaction of Hispanic ethnicity and obesity on OSA risk was evaluated. Methods:Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of consecutive children undergoing polysomnography and anthropometry using bioelectrical impedance from 2017 to 2020. Demographics obtained from the medical chart. Children who had also undergone cardiometabolic testing were identified and the relationship of cardiometabolic markers with OSA and anthropometry was assessed.Results: Data from 1217 children revealed Hispanic children were more likely to have moderate-severe OSA (36.0%) compared to Non-Hispanic children (26.5%), p < 0.001. Hispanic children had greater Body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile and percent body fat, p < 0.0001. In children that underwent cardiometabolic testing, Hispanic children had significantly greater serum alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) levels. Following adjustment of age and sex, Hispanic ethnicity was not found to moderate the association of anthropometry with OSA, anthropometry with cardiometabolic markers, and OSA with cardiometabolic markers. Conclusions:OSA was more likely in Hispanic children; this relationship was likely driven by obesity status rather than ethnicity. Among children undergoing cardiometabolic testing, Hispanic children were observed to have greater ALT concentrations however ethnicity did not impact the association of anthropometry and ALT or other cardiometabolic markers.

Not Only Metabolic Complications of Childhood Obesity

“…OSA is manifested by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction, which disrupts normal sleep and ventilation, eventually causing intermittent hypoxia and/or increased frequency of arousals [ 139 ]. The prevalence of OSA in children is estimated to be around 2–3%, with adenotonsillar tissue hypertrophy being the main risk factor determining the development of this condition, especially among young children [ 140 ]. However, the rise in the prevalence of obesity in the pediatric population has increased the incidence of OSA to up to 6% of all children [ 140 ].…”

“…The prevalence of OSA in children is estimated to be around 2–3%, with adenotonsillar tissue hypertrophy being the main risk factor determining the development of this condition, especially among young children [ 140 ]. However, the rise in the prevalence of obesity in the pediatric population has increased the incidence of OSA to up to 6% of all children [ 140 ]. In the course of obesity, fat in the soft tissue of the throat reduces the size of the lumen in the upper airway, leading to increased structural collapse [ 141 ].…”