Oximetry in obese children with sleep-disordered breathing.

Background: Obesity is an important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and obese children with OSAS have frequently shown oxygen desaturations when compared with normal-weight children. The aim of our study was to investigate the oximetry characteristics in children with obesity and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Methods: Children referred for suspected OSAS were enrolled in the study. All children underwent sleep clinical record (SCR), pulse oximetry, and polysomnography (PSG).

Results: A total of 248 children with SDB were recruited (128 obese and 120 normal-weight children). Obese children showed higher oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and lower nadir oxygen saturation (nadir SaO) compared to non-obese children (p < 0.05). ODI and nadir SaO correlated with obesity (p < 0.05). The SCR evaluation showed that deep bite and overjet were more common among obese children (p < 0.05), whereas habitual nasal obstruction and arched palate were more common among non-obese children (p < 0.05). Furthermore, skeletal malocclusion and tonsillar hypertrophy were significant risk factors in obese children associated with severe desaturation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Obese children with SDB have a more significant oxygen desaturation; adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy is not the only important risk factor for its development but also the presence of malocclusions.