title: Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in Friedreich ataxia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to document the prevalence and nature of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) as well as establish the relationship, if any, between SDB and clinical parameters of FRDA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-two individuals with FRDA were administered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale on an annual basis for up to 3 years. Individuals were referred for a sleep study if they had an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score >8 or had clinical symptoms suggestive of SDB.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From this cohort, 21 individuals underwent a sleep study and 17 were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, giving a minimum prevalence of 21%, which is greater than that found in the general population (3%-7%). Moreover, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea was significantly correlated with the duration of disease and clinical severity of FRDA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is recommended that individuals with FRDA undergo regular screening for obstructive sleep apnea to identify the need for a sleep study and subsequent treatment if SDB is diagnosed.
authors.affiliation: Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia. louise.corben@vcgs.org.au
authors.forename: Louise A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Corben
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Copland
authors.forename: Geneieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: Martin B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Delatycki
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005621:Friedreich Ataxia / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology