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. 2023 Aug 15:13:45-53.
doi: 10.2147/DNND.S421399. eCollection 2023.

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Saudi Male Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Ahmed Bamaga  1 , Lama Alqarni  2
Affiliations

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Saudi Male Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Ahmed Bamaga et al. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients are at a high risk of developing sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to determine the risk of developing OSA among DMD patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022 in a tertiary healthcare facility. As a screening tool for OSA, we used the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).

Results: Subjects included 60 boys with DMD, mean age 10.15 ± 3.54 years. The mean BMI for all subjects was 18.9 ± 4.08 kg/m2. Of these, 22 (36.7%) children were at high risk of OSA. Children who were overweight, and on steroids tended to be at higher risk of developing OSA (P < 0.043) and (P < 0.029) respectively.

Conclusion: Our study shows a significant risk of OSA in DMD patients. Therefore, Sleep studies should be part of the standard of care for DMD patients.

Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Saudi Arabia; obstructive sleep apnea; pediatric sleep questionnaire.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) in English and Arabic versions.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Weight status category of patients with or without OSA.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Age category of patients with or without OSA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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