Sleep disorders in children with nephrotic syndrome: A cross-sectional study at a Venezuelan pediatric hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61286/e-RPM.2026.460Keywords:
Nephrotic syndrome; Sleep wake disorders; Sleep hygiene; Pediatrics; Pediatric nephrology.Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence of symptoms associated with sleep disorders and characterize sleep hygiene habits in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome attending the Pediatric Nephrology outpatient clinic at Dr. Jorge Lizárraga Children's Hospital (Valencia, Venezuela). Materials and Methods: An observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted (May 2024–May 2025) in 70 outpatients aged 0 to 15 years. The BISQ (< 2 years; n=6), BEARS, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC / Bruni Scale; ≥ 2 years; n=64) questionnaires were administered, alongside a sleep hygiene questionnaire. Frequencies, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI via Wilson method), Fisher's exact tests, and Odds Ratios (OR) were calculated. Results: School-aged children represented the predominant age group (55.7%). In infants (< 2 years), co-sleeping reached 83.3% and night awakenings 50.0%. In patients aged ≥ 2 years (n=64), the categories with the highest positive screening rates on the SDSC were disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep/insomnia (28.1%; 95% CI: 17.6–40.8) and sleep breathing disorders (17.2%; 95% CI: 8.9–28.7). Nocturnal hyperhidrosis was significantly associated with school age (p = 0.04). Screen use before bedtime was the most frequent improper sleep habit in the cohort (68.6%) and showed a trend toward association with insomnia symptoms in patients older than 2 years (OR = 3.41; 95% CI: 0.89–13.1; p = 0.06). Conclusions: Symptoms consistent with insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing represent a frequent comorbidity in children with nephrotic syndrome, accompanied by a high prevalence of poor sleep hygiene habits. Implementing validated screening tools in pediatric nephrology practice is essential for early detection and comprehensive management in this patient population.
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