Abnormal Cerebral Blood Flow, Brain Volume, Microstructural Tissue Changes in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Motivation: OSA Children show cognitive and behavioral impairments along with brain tissue changes. The status of CBF, which may contribute to brain changes impacting cognitive and behavioral issues in pediatric OSA, is unknown. Goal(s): Our goal was to examine CBF, brain volume, and microstructural changes in pediatric OSA and evaluate associations between CBF, cognition, and behavioral issues. Approach: We used ANCOVA to compare CBF and brain tissue changes between OSA and controls, and partial correlations for associations. Results: We observed reduced CBF in pediatric-OSA and associations of CBF with behavioral and cognitive issues, which may contribute to OSA pathogenesis. Impact: This study showed altered cerebral blood flow and its associations with abnormal behavioral and cognitive functions in children with OSA, which have never been studied before. The reduced regional flow may lead to further neural damage in the condition.