A Randomized Crossover Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Positioning on Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants with Robin Sequence.

BACKGROUND

The prone position is one of the most frequently used treatment options for infants with Robin sequence (RS), but its effect and its safety regarding the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome are controversial.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized crossover study, we investigated the effects of the prone versus supine position on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using polygraphy. Infants with RS admitted to the University Hospital Tuebingen between 4/2021 and 5/2023 were analyzed for their obstructive apnea index (OAI), oxygen desaturation index < 80%, minimum and basal oxygen saturation, basal and highest transcutaneous carbon dioxide level, and respiratory and heart rate in both sleep positions.

RESULTS

A total of 29 children were analyzed. A total of 21/29 children were measured in both positions, while 6/29 children were only measured in the supine position and 2/29 only in the prone position. We found no significant difference in the OAI for the supine versus prone position in main effects analyses. In unadjusted linear model analysis, infants in the supine position had an OAI of 9.9 (95% CI, -2.4, 22.3) events/h higher than those in the prone position. A total of 13/21 infants benefitted from the prone position, whilst 8/21 had a worsening of their OSA. We found no evidence of a significant interaction between sleeping position and syndromic status.

CONCLUSIONS

Prone positioning improves, but does not eliminate, OSA symptoms in infants with RS, and severe OSA may often persist. There are infants in whom a change to the prone position leads to a worsening of their OSA.