Vagus nerve stimulation induces concomitant respiratory alterations and a decrease in SaO2 in children.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze respiratory alterations and effects on SaO(2) caused by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in children with epilepsy.


METHODS
Polysomnographic recordings, including electroencephalography, thoracoabdominal distention, nasal airflow, SaO(2), and VNS artifact were evaluated in 10 children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy treated with VNS.


RESULTS
Each VNS caused a significant increase in respiratory frequency (p < 0.05) throughout the stimulation period and a decrease in thoracoabdominal-distention amplitude (p < 0.05), especially at the beginning of the stimulation. These respiratory alterations induced a decrease in SaO(2) from 1 to 5%. The effects of VNS on respiration differed significantly between rapid-eye-movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep states.


CONCLUSIONS
VNS caused a pronounced change in respiration in children with epilepsy, and this induced a decrease in SaO(2). It is possible that VNS has a neuroprotective effect, and this possibility calls for further investigation.
Zaaimi
Boubker
B
GRAMFC, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Nord, Amiens, France. boubker.zaaimi@u-picardie.fr
Héberlé
Claire
C
Berquin
Patrick
P
Pruvost
Mickael
M
Grebe
Reinhard
R
Wallois
Fabrice
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography; D004585:Electrooculography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D017286:Polysomnography; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000502:physiology; D013909:Thorax / Q000502:physiology; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants