Nocturnal oximetry in infants with cystic fibrosis

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.