The future in OSAS diagnosis: analysis of exhaled breath by an eNose: prospective descriptive and observational study

Abstract

Background: respiratory sleep disorders are common in paediatric age, encompassing a

spectrum of pathologies ranging from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnoea- hypopnea syndrome (OSAS). This illness is associated with systemic inflammation and

other important comorbidities. This inflammation could be monitored by the analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. Objective: This study aimed to compare the exhaled biomarker profile, with an eNose, in children with OSAS and habitual snorers Design: This study will be prospective, descriptive and observational, carried out in a single hospital (Son Espases University Hospital) for a year and a half. Methods: Up to 180 children between 3 and 14 ages, who must undergo a polysomnography (PSG), for OSAS or simple snorer diagnosis will be asked to fill some questions and to give an exhaled breath sample. Exhaled breath will be collected from the airway, processed using an electronic nose (eNose) and analysed off-line using means and standard deviations. Then we will compare OSAS and simple snorer samples using paired Student’s test and Wilcoxon contrast. Finally, linear regression model will assess the difference between exhaled patterns