Utility of supine spirometry to predict sleep disordered breathing in
children with neuromuscular disorders
Abstract
Aim To explore the relationship between postural changes in lung
function and polysomnography (PSG) in the assessment of early sleep
disordered breathing in children with neuromuscular disorders [NMD].
Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, children with NMD
performed spirometry in sitting (si) and supine (su) positions. A
control group of age and gender matched healthy children also underwent
postural lung function testing. PSG was performed within 6 months of
spirometry. Spirometry was acceptable according to ATS standards and
PSGs scored according to AASM guidelines. Results Forty-one children
with NMD, aged 12.3 ±3 years (21 males) performed sitting spirometry.
Thirty [73%] performed acceptable spirometry in the supine
position. Underlying diagnoses were heterogeneous, with the majority
having Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (n=17). Mean FEV1sit and FVCsit were
78% (SD ±22) and 75% (SD±20.4) respectively, with mean% ΔFVC (sit –
sup) 9±11% (range 2% to 20%), and was significantly greater than
healthy controls (n=30 SD ±3) (p<0.001). PSG data on these 30
children showed total AHI 6.9 ±5.9/hr (0.3 to 29), obstructive AHI
5.2±4.0/hr (0.2 to 10), and REM AHI 14.1+/-5.3/hr (0.1 to 34.7). A
moderate correlation was present between supine FVC% and AHI (r=0.62,
p=0.001) in those not using non-invasive ventilation [NIV] in sleep
[N=22] but not with the rise in CO2 from non-REM to REM sleep (6
±1.9 mmHg, range 4 to 11). Conclusion Children with NMD and mild
restrictive lung disease showed greater postural changes in spirometry
than healthy controls, with changes being greatest in children who
required nocturnal NIV.