수면다원검사를 통해 분석한 소아 뇌전증환자의 수면장애

Polysomnographic Analysis of Sleep Problems in Children with Epilepsy: Influencing Factors in Sleep and Seizure Related Conditions

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to identify the characteristics of sleep disorders in children with epilepsy complaining of sleep problems, and to find out sleep-related factors that influence on the prognosis of epilepsy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and polysomnographic data of 94 children (mean age 13.7±3.8 years), who visited our hospital for epilepsy between March 2001 and December 2014. The patients were evaluated with polysomnography and a questionnaire about sleepiness. We compared clinical characteristics between patients with and without sleep disorders. We analyzed the differences of sleep parameters between the prognostic groups of epilepsy. Results: The patients enrolled in this study complained of various sleep problems, such as snoring, apnea, mouth-breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia. Sleep disorders were diagnosed in 46 patients (48.9%). Obstructive sleep apnea was the most common sleep disorder (n=26), followed by narcolepsy (n=8) and periodic limb movement disorder (n=8). Patients with poor prognosis showed decrease of stage 3-4 sleep (P=0.010). There was no significant correlation between the presence of sleep disorders and seizure control (P=0.053). Conclusion: Various sleep complaints and sleep disorders are commonly found in children with epilepsy. Polysomnographic analysis of patients with uncontrolled seizure indicates a decline in sleep quality. Screening sleep problems and performing diagnostic test with polysomnography in patients with sleep problems is recommended in pediatric patients with epilepsy.