DOZ047.107: Increased quality of life burden related to obstructive sleep apnea in children with aerodigestive disease

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sleep-disordered breathing on quality of life (QOL) in children with aerodigestive disease compared to children without aerodigestive disease. Methods Retrospective, IRB-approved, single-institution review of OSA-18 survey results administered to an unselected population of pediatric otolaryngology patients, some of whom had also been seen in the multidisciplinary aerodigestive clinic, was carried out. Results 476 non-aerodigestive patients and 43 aerodigestive patients were compared using total OSA-18 score and the summed scores from the 5 domains that comprise the OSA-18: (1) sleep disturbance, (2) physical suffering, (3) emotional distress, (4) daytime problems, and (5) caregiver concern. Sleep-related QOL was significantly worse for children with aerodigestive disease compared to those without aerodigestive disease across domains of sleep disturbance (P = 0.011), physical suffering (P = 0.028), and caregiver concern (P = 0.016). Total OSA-18 scores were in the mild impact range, and they did not differ significantly between the two populations. Conclusion While the focus of many aerodigestive programs is on the pathophysiological relationship between the upper digestive tract, the laryngotracheal airway, and the lungs, the present study elucidates a significant impact of upper airway obstruction during sleep on the QOL of children with aerodigestive disease. In recognition of this impact, certain airway centers have added a multidisciplinary approach to upper airway obstruction to their aerodigestive treatment armamentarium. At the minimum, airway treatment centers should consider systematic screening of all children with aerodigestive disease for QOL burden related to OSA.