Author/Authors :
Operto, Francesca Felicia Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Medical School - University of Salerno, Italy , Precenzano, Francesco Sleep Lab for Developmental Age - Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Department of Mental Health - Physical and Preventive Medicine - University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy , Bitetti, Ilaria Sleep Lab for Developmental Age - Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Department of Mental Health - Physical and Preventive Medicine - University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy , Lanzara, Valentina Sleep Lab for Developmental Age - Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Department of Mental Health - Physical and Preventive Medicine - University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy , Fontana, Maria Lorena IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy , Giovanna Pastorino, Grazia Maria Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Medical School - University of Salerno, Italy , Carotenuto, Marco Sleep Lab for Developmental Age - Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - Department of Mental Health - Physical and Preventive Medicine - University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy , Pisani, Francesco Child Neuropsychiatry Unit - Medicine & Surgery Department - University of Parma, Italy , Polito, Anna Nunzia Complex Structure of Neuropsychiatry Childhood-Adolescence of Ospedali Riuniti of Foggia, Italy , Smirni, Daniela Department of Psychology - Educational Science and Human Movement - University of Palermo, Italy , Roccella, Michele Department of Psychology - Educational Science and Human Movement - University of Palermo, Italy
Abstract :
Background. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects up to 4% of a pediatric population, with many comorbidities in the
medium-long term. Functional alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may explain why OSAS impacts aspects such as executive
functions, memory, motor control, attention, visual-spatial skills, learning, and mood regulation. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a
complex neuropsychological function that could be impaired in many clinical conditions. Purpose. The aim of the study is to
evaluate the difference in emotional intelligence skills among children with OSAS and healthy subjects (nOSAS). Methods.
129 children (72 males; mean age 7 64 ± 1 98 years) affected by OSAS were compared to 264 non-OSAS (nOSAS) children
(138 males; mean age 7 98 ± 2 13) similar for gender, age, and socioeconomic status. In order to assess the emotional
quotient, the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (EQ-i:YV) was used. Results. The comparison for means
and standard deviation between OSAS children and nOSAS children for EQ-i:YV scores showed significant differences for
Interpersonal, Adaptability, and Stress Management scales and EQ Total score. Conclusions. Our findings highlighted the role
of intermittent hypoxia in the genesis of the effects of sleep-related respiratory disorders, which involves also aspects different
from physical impairments
