BP and arterial distensibility in children with primary snoring.
OBJECTIVE
While previous studies have suggested an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular complications, the effects of primary snoring in children on daytime systemic BP and arterial distensibility remain unknown.


METHODS
To determine the effects of primary snoring on BP and peripheral conduit artery distensibility, 30 children with primary snoring were studied at an age of 9.5 +/- 2.8 years (mean +/- SD). Systemic BP was measured using an automated device, while brachioradial arterial distensibility was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is inversely related to the square root of distensibility. The results were compared to those of 30 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and body size.


RESULTS
As compared to control subjects, children with primary snoring had significantly higher systolic BP (112 +/- 10 mm Hg vs 105 +/- 8 mm Hg, p = 0.001), diastolic BP (60 +/- 7 mm Hg vs 53 +/- 9 mm Hg, p = 0.004), and mean BP (81 +/- 7 mm Hg vs 71 +/- 8 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Likewise, those with primary snoring had significantly higher PWV (9.7 +/- 1.6 m/s vs 7.9 +/- 2.0 m/s, p = 0.001). Multiple regression identified age, body mass index (BMI), and primary snoring as significant determinants of systemic BP; however, primary snoring is the only significant determinant of PWV. Regardless of the BMI, systemic BP and PWV remained significantly higher in children with primary snoring.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with primary snoring have increased daytime systemic BP and reduced arterial distensibility, which may jeopardize long-term cardiovascular health.
Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Grantham Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Aberdeen, People's Republic of China.
Ka Li
KL
Kwok
Daniel K K
DK
Ng
Yiu Fai
YF
Cheung
D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017156:Photoplethysmography; D017286:Polysomnography; D011674:Pulse; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012913:Snoring / Q000503:physiopathology*