Faculty Collaboration Database

Sleep complaints in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Support Care Cancer 2016 Jan;24(1):23-31

Date

04/22/2015

Pubmed ID

25895632

DOI

10.1007/s00520-015-2713-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84949105116 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   28 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Pediatric brain tumor survivors have increased risk of sleep problems, particularly excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Few studies have examined sleep disturbances in this population.

METHODS: 153 children and adolescents ages 8-18 and their parents completed questionnaires (Modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Kosair Children's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire, Children's Report of Sleep Patterns, Children's Sleep Hygiene Scale) during clinic visits. Participants were at least 5 years from diagnosis and 2 years post-treatment. Group differences in age at diagnosis, body mass index, type of treatment received, and tumor location were examined.

RESULTS: One-third of adolescents and one-fifth of children reported EDS. Children and parents had fair concordance (kappa coefficient = .64) in their report of EDS, while adolescents and parents had poor concordance (kappa coefficient = .37). Per parents, most children slept 8 to 9 h per night. Poor bedtime routines were reported for children, while adolescents endorsed poor sleep stability. Extended weekend sleep was reported across age groups. A BMI in the obese range was related to higher parent-reported EDS in children. Sleep-disordered breathing was associated with elevated BMI in adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: While survivors reported achieving recommended amounts of sleep each night, 20 to 30% reported EDS. Poor concordance among parent and adolescent report highlights the importance of obtaining self-report when assessing sleep concerns. Obesity is a modifiable factor in reducing symptoms of EDS in this population. Finally, the lack of association between EDS and brain tumor location, BMI, or treatment received was unexpected and warrants further investigation.

Author List

Brimeyer C, Adams L, Zhu L, Srivastava DK, Wise M, Hudson MM, Crabtree VM

Author

Chasity Brimeyer PhD Associate Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Brain Neoplasms
Child
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence
Female
Humans
Male
Obesity
Parents
Self Report
Sleep
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survivors