Predictive equation for optimal continuous positive airway pressure in children with obstructive sleep apnoea

AIM: A subgroup of children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requires treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This study's aims were: 1) to determine if the optimal CPAP for the treatment of OSA in children correlates with body mass index (BMI); 2) to determine the correlation between polysomnographic variables and optimal CPAP in children with OSA; and 3) to develop a CPAP predictive equation for children with OSA. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of children with OSA who underwent CPAP titration studies. Patients with craniofacial abnormalities (except Down syndrome) and neuromuscular diseases were excluded. Polysomnograms were done using Sandman Elite. Correlations between optimal CPAP, clinical and polysomnographic variables were analysed. A multivariable linear regression model for optimal CPAP was developed. RESULTS: 198 children (mean±sd age 13.1±3.6 years) were studied. Optimal CPAP had a significant positive correlation with age (rho=0.216, p=0.002), obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (rho=0.421, p<0.001), 3% oxygen desaturation index (rho=0.417, p<0.001), rapid eye movement respiratory disturbance index (rho=0.378, p<0.001) and BMI z-score (rho=0.160, p=0.024); and a significant negative correlation with arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry nadir (rho= −0.333, p<0.001). The predictive equation derived was: Optimal CPAP (cmH(2)O)=6.486+0.273·age (years)−0.664·adenotonsillectomy (no=1, yes=0)+2.120·Down syndrome (yes=1, no=0)+0.280·BMI z-score. CONCLUSION: The equation developed may help to predict optimal CPAP in children with OSA. Further studies are required to validate this equation and to determine its applicability in different populations.