Oximetry in Children for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Video-polysomnography (vPSG) with video surveillance and monitoring by a nurse to reposition the sensors if needed during the night is the gold standard exam for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. The vPSG gives the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI), necessary for the diagnosis of OSAS and to determine its severity. But the vPSG is a rather cumbersome exam, sometimes difficult to perform in children, with several sensors and electrodes to install on a child's body (electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), electrooculogram (EOG), nasal cannula, thoracoabdominal belts, pulse oximetry, body position) that is time-consuming for installation and analysis. Video-respiratory polygraphy (vPG) is very similar to vPSG but without EEG, EOG and EMG electrodes. vPG represents an alternative for the diagnosis of OSAS. However, these sleep examinations, vP(S)G, requires a number of electrodes and sensors to be installed on the child's body and one night of hospitalization. The desaturation index obtained by simple portable oximetry could be used for the diagnosis of OSAS because most respiratory events are associated with desaturations. Portable oximetry is an easier test to perform. It is better accepted by the child because it only requires a finger or toe sensor and could be done on an outpatient basis or in the hospital. The coupling of these 2 examinations, vP(S)G and oximetry, is part of our current routine practice. The hypothesis of this study is that the desaturation index obtained by the oximetry performed at the same time with the v(P(S)G) can identify an OSAS in children.