Aim-To investigate whether children with cystic fibrosis under 3 years of a
ge have disordered breathing and episodes of oxygen desaturation during sle
ep.
Methods-We studied 19 infants (9 boys and 10 girls) with cystic fibrosis, m
ean age 13.1 months (range 3-36 months) and 20 age and sex matched healthy
subjects. Patients and controls underwent an overnight polysomnographic stu
dy and respiratory function testing on the following morning.
Results-Seven patients with ongoing respiratory tract inflammation had diso
rdered breathing and episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep. Pulse ox
imetry showed a significantly lower mean oxygen saturation (Sao,) and a hig
her percentage of total sleep time spent with SaO(2) less than 93% in sympt
omatic children than in controls.
Conclusion-Results suggest that infants and young children with cystic fibr
osis and mild airways inflammation (rhinitis, cough, red throat) have episo
des of oxygen desaturation during sleep.