Immune function in Japanese schoolchildren with sleep-disordered breathing: a preliminary study with analyses of salivary markers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms among primary schoolchildren, and to objectively determine the influence of SDB on the intra-oral environment through the analysis of saliva. A questionnaire survey was conducted among approximately 400 children from a primary school in Hiroshima. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire and provide their contact information if they allowed the collection of saliva samples from their children. Thirty-eight chil- dren agreed to participate in the saliva study. Habit- ual snoring and cessation of breathing during sleep were found in approximately 8% and 1% of children, respectively. The present results showed significant correlations between snoring and mouth breathing. A significant association between excessive daytime sle- epiness (EDS) and learning problems was found. Fur- thermore, among children between the ages of 7 and 12 years, those with EDS and learning problems tended to be older. SDB symptom scores were statisti- cally significant only in relation to EDS. The present study also demonstrated significantly higher levels of salivary IgA and cortisol in children with sleep-re- lated disorders. The present study determined the pre- valence and characteristics of SDB among Japanese primary schoolchildren and their effects on the oral environment. Approximately 8% of primary school- children with habitual snoring might need to be care- fully monitored for SDB symptoms and immune sta- tus to ensure proper psychological and physical deve- lopment