P-ISSN 2587-2400 | E-ISSN 2587-196X
EJMO. 2018; 2(3): 130-134 | DOI: 10.14744/ejmo.2018.93685

Relationship between Plasma Homocysteine and Obstructive Sleep Apneas in Children: A Preliminary Study

Marco Zaffanello1, Emma Gasperi1, Giuseppe Lippi2, Laura Tenero1, Michele Piazza1, Luca Sacchetto3, Giorgio Piacentini1
1Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, Verona, Italy, 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy, 3Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Otorhinolaryngology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy,

Objectives: Plasma homocysteine concentration is increased adult patient swith obstructive sleep apneas, whilst it is still unknown if its plasma levels may also be enhanced in obstructive sleep apneain childhood. We investigated the possible relationship between plasma homocysteine and obstructive sleep apnea in children. Methods: A total number of 199 children were studied between July 2016 and June 2017. All children underwent an overnight respiratory polygraph study. Laboratory data were retrospectively reviewed, in clusing plasma homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12. Results: Twenty children were finally included in ourstudy. Linear regression analysis showed that plasma homocysteine was positively correlated with age (β=2.930; p=0.010), and inversely correlated with folate (β=-4.830; p<0.001), vitamin B12 (β=-3.844; p=0.002) and haemoglobin (β=-3.503; p=0.003). No significant correlation was found with platelet count (p=0.578) and apnea-hypopnea index (p=0.272). After age adjustment, homocysteine levels remained inversely correlated with folate, but no association was found with sleep respiratory parameters. Conclusion: This retrospective study suggests that serum homocysteine levels is not increased in children with obstructive sleep apnea, whilst, a folate-enriched diet seems advisable in children with obstructive sleep apnea to counteract oxidative stress. Further controlled studies are needed.


Cite This Article

Zaffanello M, Gasperi E, Lippi G, Tenero L, Piazza M, Sacchetto L, et al. Relationship between Plasma Homocysteine and Obstructive Sleep Apneas in Children: A Preliminary Study. EJMO. 2018; 2(3): 130-134

Corresponding Author: Marco Zaffanello

Full Text PDF PDF Download
EJMO & EJMO