Diagnosis of Nocturnal Hypoventilation in Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders: A Survey of Clinical Practice in Australia and New Zealand

Objectives: Nocturnal hypoventilation is a complication of neuromuscular disorders. There are various recommendations for measuring pCO<sub>2</sub> during polysomnography and numerous national international definitions that could contribute to significant variations in clinical practice. We therefore aimed determine practices implemented by Australasian pediatric sleep physicians.Methods: Pediatric physicians completed an electronic survey information regarding measurements followed children with disorders.Results: It was found transcutaneous measurement performed all centers, 25% the centers simultaneously performing capnography. Twelve were used, including published from American Academy Sleep Medicine (AASM) manual Association/Australasian Technologists Association. The most commonly used definition (9/17, 53%) 2012 AASM (pCO<sub>2</sub> >50 mmHg >25% total time). discrepancy between individuals within same center when defining hypoventilation. Answers stating use (rise ≥10 wake sleep, average rise ≥3 non rapid eye movement sleep) more frequent asked specifically via checkbox (yes/no) compared free text.Conclusions: These results confirm heterogeneity lack standardization practice Australasia not as frequently anticipated.