Association of Body Anthropometry and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Impact of Hispanic Ethnicity

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Obesity is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. Childhood obesity rates vary amongst different ethnic groups. Here we explore the interaction of Hispanic ethnicity and obesity on OSA risk. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of consecutive children undergoing polysomnography and anthropometry using bioelectrical impedance from 2017-2020. Demographics obtained from the medical chart. Children who had also undergone cardiometabolic testing were identified to assess the relationship of cardiometabolic markers with OSA and anthropometry. Results Data from 1217 children revealed Hispanic children were more likely to have moderate-severe OSA (36.0%) compared to Non-Hispanic children (26.5%), p<0.001. Hispanic children had greater BMI, BMI percentile and percent body fat, p<0.0001. In children that underwent cardiometabolic testing, Hispanic children had significantly greater serum ALT levels. Following adjustment of age and sex, Hispanic ethnicity was not found to moderate the association of anthropometry with OSA, anthropometry with cardiometabolic markers, and OSA with cardiometabolic markers. Conclusions OSA is more likely in Hispanic children; this relationship is likely driven by obesity status rather than ethnicity. Among children undergoing cardiometabolic testing, Hispanic children were observed to have greater ALT concentrations however ethnicity did not impact the association of anthropometry and ALT or other cardiometabolic markers.