Cardiovascular, neurophysiological and neurocognitive assessments to define sleep disordered breathing in children [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Rosemary Horne (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Margot Davey ,  Prof Adrian Walker ,  Prof John Trinder ,  Prof Vicki Anderson

Brief description Disruptions to breathing during sleep (snoring), known as sleep disordered breathing occurs in up to 27% of children and forms a continuum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has previously been thought that only severe disruptions to breathing, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), were of clinical significance requiring intervention, however recent studies have shown that even snoring with no currently used signs of altered blood oxygenation levels or sleep disruption can have a significant impact on daytime functioning and school performance. It is also known that cardiovascular disease is a long-term consequence of untreated sleep disordered breathing in adults, however the long-term effects on the cardiovascular system in children are unknown. This study will examine both the neurocognitive and cardiovascular effects of a range of severities of sleep disordered breathing in children and will identify new more sensitive markers of sleep disruption in order to predict neurocognitive dysfunction. In order to address this most important issue, this project will combine the expertise of scientists and clinicians in the fields of paediatric sleep, cardiovascular control and neuropsychological assessment from Monash and Melbourne Universities, and the Monash Medical Centre and Royal Children's Hospital.

Funding Amount $AUD 324,008.80

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant