Epidemiology of SDB and Respiratory Support in Children with CP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Epidemiology and natural history of sleep disordered breathing and utilisation of respiratory support in children and young people with cerebral palsy.
IRAS ID
346227
Contact name
Don Urquhart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 6 days
Research summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a non-progressive movement disorder, which occurs due to damage to the developing brain around the time of birth. Symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) include noisy breathing during sleep,increased day-time sleepiness and reduced energy levels. In the long term, SDB might have an effect on the brain and the way that we learn, as well as putting strain on the heart.
Children with CP have a higher risk of sleep breathing problems compared to typically-developing children, and the negative impact of sleep disturbance in children with CP on their family members/carers’ sleep and mental health cannot be understated. Early recognition and management of SDB is important for children with CP to give these children the best possible sleep quality, and to maximise learning potential.SDB in children with CP is often under-recognised and under-treated. Treatment of SDB in children with CP might involve wearing a mask that delivers pressurised air to hold open a child’s airway and make breathing easier when they are asleep. This we call ‘respiratory support’ which can be continuous pressure (CPAP) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) which is pressure support with a back-up breathing rate. There is limited knowledge on the appropriate indications or timing to use them.
Though respiratory support in children with CP is proven to help with breathing
during sleep, its impact on quality of life, number of hospital admissions or frequency of chest infections is unknown.This study will look at the number of children with CP on respiratory support across the UK, as well as the number of children newly diagnosed with SDB and/or established on respiratory support over a 1-year period. We will explore socioeconomic factors that might influence access of sleep services and the perceived facilitators and barriers to successfully initiating respiratory support in children with CP.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
24/WS/0175
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion