Authors (including presenting author) :
Tang LS(1), Lee PYL(1), Tsang YP(1), Lo WC(1), Chan KH(1), Wong LYP(1) Fan WN(2), Leung TCM(2), Mok SYC(2), Poon, LY(2) Li YT(3), Ho TSS(3) Mok UP(4), Chan YM(4), Yuen KY(4)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, United Christian Hospital (2)Physiotherapy Department, United Christian Hospital (3)Dietetics Department, United Christian Hospital (4)Child Life Specialist, Children’s Cancer Foundation
Introduction :
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in children and teenagers. Children with OSA are prone to develop hypertension in adulthood, preceding the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the long term. In 2023, a multidisciplinary weight control program (????所欲眠) in Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine of United Christian Hospital was launched. The program lasted for one year with contribution from paediatricians, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and child life specialists, with intercalated real and virtual review of medical and physical parameters, providing intensive supervision by different parties to help alleviate obesity-related comorbidities among obese children.
Objectives :
(1) Enhance practical tips for healthy life-style among obese children with OSA (2) Reduce weight and alleviate obesity-related comorbidities (3) Promote motivation and mutual peer support
Methodology :
The program contained 10 sessions over 12 months, with baseline assessment, interim assessment and post-program assessment on the 1st, 6th and 10th session respectively. Face-to-face and online exercise classes were conducted by physiotherapists, which included weight reduction exercise, cardiopulmonary assessment and oro-myofunctional therapy. Nutritional assessment and dietary counselling were individually offered by dietitians. Over the year, there were 4 comprehensive paediatric consultations involving respirologists, endocrinologists and adolescent specialists. Subjects were (1) 7 to 18-year-old with moderate to severe OSA, (2) who need nocturnal non-invasive ventilatory support, (3) and with other obesity-related comorbidities. Outcomes were (1) anthropometric measures (2) physiological and metabolic parameters (3) behavioural and motivational change, and (4) evaluation via self-report questionnaires.
Result & Outcome :
From July 2023 to June 2024, nine children were recruited to join the program. Seven were male and two were female. 44% showed reduction in body weight, and 66% achieved reduced body mass index (BMI). 78% yielded reduction in percentage body fat. Two-third showed improvement in OSA in sleep study, and also improved insulin resistance in blood test. Two were successful to wean ventilator. All participants and parents highly appreciated the program. Multidisciplinary weight control program was effective in weight reduction and alleviation of obesity-related comorbidities, with appreciation from the children and their parents.
