Sleep Apnea Raises Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children with Epilepsy

Recent research highlights a significant correlation between sleep apnea (SA) and increased cardiovascular risks in children diagnosed with epilepsy. A study published online on August 19, 2025, in Pediatrics, conducted by Dr. Po-Ming Wu and colleagues from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, reveals that pediatric epilepsy patients with concurrent sleep apnea face a notably higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and cardiac dysrhythmias. The study analyzed the incidence and long-term risks associated with these conditions by comparing cohorts of children with epilepsy with and without sleep apnea, over periods of five and ten years. Results showed that children with both epilepsy and SA had the highest incidence of SCA, with rates of 50.5 per 10,000 person-years, compared to 20.0 and 9.0 in children with only epilepsy or sleep apnea, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of SA increased the hazard ratio for SCA during both the 5- and 10-year follow-ups, with hazard ratios of 1.99 and 1.74. The risk was even higher among children with refractory epilepsy, with a hazard ratio of 1.74. The study also found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was linked to a threefold increase in SCA risk, while adenotonsillectomy appeared to significantly lower the risk by 60%. These findings underscore the importance of tailored treatment strategies, including screening and managing sleep apnea, to mitigate the risk of fatal cardiac events in pediatric epilepsy patients.