Objective measurements for upper airway obstruction in infants with Robin sequence: what are we measuring? A systematic review

Abstract

Study objectives: Identifying optimal treatment for infants with Robin sequence (RS) is challenging due to substantial variability in the presentation of upper airway obstruction (UAO) in this population. Objective assessments of UAO and treatments are not standardized. A systematic review of objective measures of UAO was conducted as a step toward evidence-based clinical decision-making for RS.

Methods: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases (1990-2020) following PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting on RS and UAO treatment were included if the following objective measures were studied: oximetry, polysomnography, and blood gas. Quality was appraised by the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (range: 0-24).

Results: A total of 91 articles met the inclusion criteria. The mean methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was 7.1 (range: 3-14). Polysomnography was most frequently used (76%) followed by oximetry (20%) and blood gas (11%). Sleep position of the infant was reported in 35% of studies, with supine position most frequently, and monitoring time in 42%, including overnight recordings, in more than half. Of 71 studies that evaluated UAO interventions, the majority used polysomnography (90%), of which 61% did not specify the polysomnography technique. Reported polysomnography metrics included oxygen saturation (61%), apnea-hypopnea index (52%), carbon dioxide levels (31%), obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (27%), and oxygen desaturation index (16%). Only 42 studies reported indications for UAO intervention, with oximetry and polysomnography thresholds used equally (both 40%). In total, 34 distinct indications for treatment were identified.

Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates a lack of standardization, interpretation, and reporting of assessment and treatment indications for UAO in RS. An international, multidisciplinary consensus protocol is needed to guide clinicians on optimal UAO assessment in RS.

Citation: Logjes RJH, MacLean JE, de Cort NW, et al. Objective measurements for upper airway obstruction in infants with Robin sequence: what are we measuring? A systematic review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(8):1717-1729.

Keywords: apnea-hypopnea index; blood gas; carbon dioxide; obstructive apnea-hypopnea index; obstructive sleep apnea; oximetry; oxygen desaturation index; oxygen saturation; polysomnography.

Figure 1. Different positions of the infant reported in studies (n = 32).

Figure 2. Objective measurements.

Top: Objective measurements used in all evaluation studies (n = 71). Bottom: Objective measurements used in all indications/threshold studies (n = 42). Types of PSG are categorized according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. pCO₂ = partial pressure of carbon dioxide, PSG = polysomnography, PSG NOS = polysomnography not otherwise specified, tcpCO₂ = transcutaneous pCO₂.