Predictive value of cognitive variables for diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in children

• Grant number: 11/14570-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2011
• End date: June 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Luciane Bizari Coin de Carvalho
• Grantee: Thais Silveira Tagliassachi Gouvea
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

1. Introduction: The syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea in children is associated with a series of signs and symptoms day and night. There is a high prevalence of abnormal behavior, emotional and neurocognitive difficulties in children with obstructive sleep apnea and improve after treatment The poor academic performance is also related with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), especially executive functions such as memory work, attention and mental flexibility. Children who are not treated the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may have many consequences such as cor pulmonale, with growth failure and permanent neurological damage. Several studies have linked sleep disorders in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, habitual snoring is more strongly associated. These observations support the hypothesis that sleep-disordered breathing is not treated in childhood contribute to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adulthood. Goodwin (2005), in a prospective cohort study found that OSA is associated with symptoms: snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, learning problems, male and concludes that polysomnography is not necessary to verify the presence of OSAS when there is an association of these symptoms. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether a positive association between sleep-disordered breathing, cognitive and school performance. 2. Method: 2.1. Sample We used the proposed Demidenko to calculate the sample size, and the result was 1045 (one thousand and forty-five) participants. 2.2. Assessment: The evaluations will be conducted in schools by graduate students in psychology, undergraduate research, previously trained and oriented according to the schedule. The analysis and interpretation of the evaluations are done by students under supervision of the research psychologist. 3. Expected Results: Want to check if: 1. There is a positive association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive deficit. 2. There is an association between sleep-disordered breathing and school performance. (AU)