The mean apnea-hypopnea duration in children with obstructive sleep apnea is closely associated with the apnea-hypopnea index rather than anatomical severity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate correlations between mean apnea-hypopnea duration (MAD) and clinical/polysomnographic parameters in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

We analyzed 568 children diagnosed with OSA (2017-2024) using polysomnography. Participants were categorized into long MAD (≥11 s) and short MAD (<11 s) groups for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

No significant differences existed in age, gender, or BMI. The long MAD group demonstrated significantly higher adenoid grades and elevated arousal indices. All respiratory event indices were increased in the long MAD group. Minimum oxygen saturation (including during REM sleep) was significantly lower, while oxygen desaturation indices were higher in this group.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric OSA, the mean apnea-hypopnea duration enhances pathophysiological understanding but functions as a severity marker closely aligned with the apnea-hypopnea index.