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Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea for chronic cough in children

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Abstract

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Background

Childhood obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disorder that is characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction (UAO) during sleep that result in disruption of normal ventilation and sleep patterns. Chronic cough in children is a significant medical problem and in some situations warrants thorough investigation. There may be an association between chronic cough and OSA as suggested in adult studies.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of treatment of OSA leading to the resolution of cough in the management of children with chronic cough.

Search methods

We searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE and EMBASE. The latest search was performed in September 2010.

Selection criteria

All randomised controlled trials comparing an intervention for OSA to a control group (placebo or usual treatment) in children with chronic cough.

Data collection and analysis

We reviewed the search results against the pre‐determined criteria for inclusion. Two review authors independently selected the studies. No eligible trials were identified and thus no data were available for analysis.

Main results

We found no randomised controlled trials that examined the efficacy of treatment of OSA in the management of children with chronic cough.

Authors' conclusions

There is currently no evidence that therapies directed for OSA are useful for the management of chronic cough in children. Until further evidence is available, OSA should be managed on its own merits and the presence or absence of cough should not be used as a decision trigger. Further research examining the effects of this intervention is needed.

PICOs

Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome

The PICO model is widely used and taught in evidence-based health care as a strategy for formulating questions and search strategies and for characterizing clinical studies or meta-analyses. PICO stands for four different potential components of a clinical question: Patient, Population or Problem; Intervention; Comparison; Outcome.

See more on using PICO in the Cochrane Handbook.

Plain language summary

available in

Does treating obstructive sleep apnoea in children who also have chronic cough improve their cough?

Sleep apnoea (a condition where breathing stops for short spells during sleep) and chronic cough in children are significant medical problems and cause a significant burden of distress to parents. Interventions for sleep apnoea are associated with risks of morbidity and mortality, in addition to substantial costs. This review aimed to examine the effect of the treatment of sleep apnoea in children with chronic cough, however no randomised controlled trials were found. Currently there is no evidence to support the use of interventions for sleep apnoea in children with chronic cough and a randomised controlled trial is needed.