Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in Friedreich ataxia

Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in Friedreich ataxia

Corben L A; Ho M; Copland J; Tai G; Delatycki M B

Neurology

2013

reliability; Neurosciences & Neurology; disease; scale; adults; apnea syndrome; daytime sleepiness; breathing difficulties; Friedreich's ataxia; trajectory; characteristics; obstructive sleep apnea

Objectives: 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. Conclusion: 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.

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