"I can't sleep!": gathering the evidence for an innovative intervention for insomnia in cancer patients.

Sleep-wake disturbances, in particular insomnia, are experienced by 30%-75% of oncology patients, yet no effective interventions have been designed to address this distressing symptom in the ambulatory setting. In response to an identified gap in care, I share the development and evaluation of an innovative sleep intervention designed specifically for the ambulatory setting. Preliminary findings, as well as an informative blueprint for conducting point-of-care research, are described.

Sleep problems and associated factors in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review.

Background: Sleep problems are common among children with chronic illnesses such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (or JIA). However, little is known about the frequency and severity of sleep disturbance(s) and the factors that are associated with sleep problems in children with JIA. The mechanism(s) of the relationships characterizing the development or exacerbation of sleep problems in children with JIA are still unknown, however studies have reported an association.

Prader-Willi syndrome, excessive daytime sleepiness, and narcoleptic symptoms: a case report.

Introduction: Sleep abnormalities, including narcolepsy and cataplexy, are a common feature of Prader-Willi syndrome. Long-term treatment with the central nervous system stimulant modafinil has not been reported. In this case report we present a longitudinal perspective of sleep abnormalities in a nine-year-old Caucasian girl with Prader-Willi syndrome from age two to age nine, and detail the response to treatment with the central nervous system stimulant modafinil.

Obesity negatively impacts lung function in children and adolescents.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between weight status (body mass index [BMI] percentile and BMI z-score) and lung volumes in healthy children and adolescents.

Hypotheses: We hypothesized that: (a) there would be a significant inverse relationship between age- and sex-specific BMI distribution and functional residual capacity (FRC), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV), respectively; and (b) obese children would have significantly reduced FRC and ERV compared to their non-obese peers.

Methods: The medical records of all individuals who successfully performed pulmonary function testing between 2000 and 2007 at two university children's hospitals were reviewed.

Full-night versus 4h evening polysomnography in children less than 2years of age.

Objective: Pediatric polysomnogaphy (PSG) is associated with significant burden in terms of personnel time, resource use, and patient/family discomfort. We hypothesized that 4-h abbreviated PSG may be a suitable alternative to full-night PSG in children 24months of age and younger.

Methods: PSG results from the first 4-h were compared to the full-length studies from 105 children.

Non-respiratory indications for polysomnography and related procedures in children: an evidence-based review.

Objective: This evidence-based review provides a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature regarding the utility of polysomnography for the evaluation of non-respiratory sleep disorders in children including hypersomnias, parasomnias, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep in other special populations.

Methods: A task force of pediatric sleep medicine experts performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the use of polysomnography for non-respiratory sleep disorders in children. They identified and graded 76 papers as evidence.

Executive summary of respiratory indications for polysomnography in children: an evidence-based review.

Objective: This comprehensive, evidence-based review provides a systematic analysis of the literature regarding the validity, reliability, and clinical utility of polysomnography for characterizing breathing during sleep in children. Findings serve as the foundation of practice parameters regarding respiratory indications for polysomnography in children.

Methods: A task force of content experts performed a systematic review of the relevant literature and graded the evidence using a standardized grading system.

Delivery of pediatric sleep services via telehealth: the Alberta experience and lessons learned.

Concerns regarding a child's sleep, identified by a caregiver or by the health care practitioner, are commonly raised but often left unexplored. Families in geographically isolated areas, with limited access to specialty services such as pediatric sleep medicine, are at increased risk for unmet treatment needs. Telehealth is a potential vehicle for delivery of these specialty services and overcoming barriers in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in children by improving access and enhancing support for the families in their communities.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Information about the prevalence of obesity in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is inconsistent and limited. The burden of the concurrent problems of obesity and DM1 can have notable medical, psychological, and social implications for both patients and their families.

Aims: To determine prevalences of overweight and obesity in children with DM1 compared to a control population.

Disordered respiratory control in children with partial cerebellar resections.

While the cerebellum is not traditionally thought of as having an important role in respiratory control, breathing involves cyclic motor acts that require cerebellar coordination. We postulate that children with partial cerebellar resections have disordered respiratory control due to altered synchronization of ventilatory muscles. We reviewed the records of 36 children following partial cerebellar resections due to neoplasms confined to the cerebellum.