Changes in platelet count and coagulation parameters in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective To investigate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and coagulation status and to speculate on the underlying mechanism in children with OSA. Methods We divided 345 children with OSA (age 2-14 years) into four groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). We compared platelet (PLT) and coagulation parameters among groups. Correlations between the polysomnography parameters and coagulation parameters were investigated. Results Children with OSA had higher PLT counts than those without OSA (P < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed in prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, or fibrinogen among children with/without OSA. In linear regression analysis, the AHI and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) presented positive correlation with the PLT count (R-2 = 0.155, beta = 0.307, P < 0.001 and R-2 = 0.113, beta = 0.262, P < 0.001), and there was no correlation among the AHI, ODI, and other coagulation parameters. The minimum and mean oxygen saturation of arterial blood manifested negative correlation with the PLT count (R-2 = 0.076, beta = - 0.116, P = 0.034 and R-2 = 0.083, beta = - 0.140, P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions Children with OSA have a higher PLT count, positively correlated with OSA severity, and no evidence of coagulation disorder.