Normal Polysomnographic Values for Children and Adolescents

Authors:
  • KOKenneth J. Omlin
    Kenneth J. Omlin
  • DBDaniel J. Basinki
    Daniel J. Basinki
  • SBSandra L. Bailey
    Sandra L. Bailey
  • ARAdriana B. Rachal
    Adriana B. Rachal
  • WPWalter S. Von Pechmann
    Walter S. Von Pechmann
  • TKThomas G. Keens
    Thomas G. Keens
  • SWSally L. Davidson Ward
    Sally L. Davidson Ward
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Abstract
Although polysomnography is routinely performed to evaluate children and adolescents with sleep-disordered breathing, normal polysomnographic values for the pediatric age group have not yet been established. We therefore performed overnight polysomnography in 50 normal children and adolescents (mean age 9.7 ± 4.6 SD yr, range 1.1 to 17.4 yr). Of the children 56% were male. Chest wall motion, ECG, oronasal airflow, end-tidal PCO2 (Pet CO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and electrooculogram were monitored. Children had 0.1 ± 0.5 (range 0 to 3.1) obstructive apneas per hour of total sleep time, with only 18% of children having any obstructive apneas. No child had obstructive apneas > 10 s in duration. Of the children 30% had central apneas ⩾ 10 s in duration, and one child had a central apnea associated with SaO2 < 90%. Peak Pet CO2 was 46 ± 4 mm Hg (range 38 to 53 mm Hg), and hypoventilation (Pet CO2 > 45 mm Hg) occurred for 7 ± 19% total sleep time (range 0 to 91%). The SaO2 nadir was 96 ± 2% (range 89 to 98%), with only one child desaturating below 90% in association with a central apnea. We conclude that polysomnographic results in the pediatric age group differ from those in adults. Recommendations for normal polysomnographic criteria are given.