In a patient less than 12 yo, what RDI value would indicate a mild disease?

In a patient less than 12 yo, what RDI value would indicate a mild disease?

• A. 0-1
• B. 6-9
• C. 5-10
• D. 1-5

Answer: (D)

The level of sleep-disordered breathing in children is guided by how many breathing disturbances occur per hour of sleep, called the respiratory disturbance index (RDI). In kids under 12, mild disease corresponds to an RDI of about 1 to 5 events per hour, because this range reflects occasional apneas, hypopneas, or respiratory effort–related arousals that disrupt sleep but are not frequent or severe. An RDI of 0 to 1 is essentially normal, so it isn’t mild disease. Values in the 6 to 9 range—and even 5 to 10—indicate more significant, moderate-to-severe disturbance. So the 1–5 range best indicates mild disease.

The level of sleep-disordered breathing in children is guided by how many breathing disturbances occur per hour of sleep, called the respiratory disturbance index (RDI). In kids under 12, mild disease corresponds to an RDI of about 1 to 5 events per hour, because this range reflects occasional apneas, hypopneas, or respiratory effort–related arousals that disrupt sleep but are not frequent or severe. An RDI of 0 to 1 is essentially normal, so it isn’t mild disease. Values in the 6 to 9 range—and even 5 to 10—indicate more significant, moderate-to-severe disturbance. So the 1–5 range best indicates mild disease.