INTRODUCTION: In pediatric palliative care, 30% of patients suffer from cancer and the remaining 70% suffer mainly from neurologic, metabolic and genetic disorders. Sleep disorders affect 30% of healthy preschool children and up to 80% of neurologic patients, so these problems are likely to be common in PPC units. Addressing sleep quality is essential, as adequate rest improves the emotional and physical health of both children and their caregivers, thereby increasing their quality of life.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and specific characteristics of sleep problems in patients managed by the PPC unit of a tertiary care hospital between March and August 2024.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quantitative, observational, and prospective study of patients receiving PPC at a tertiary care hospital. Sleep was assessed with instruments validated in the Spanish pediatric population (BISQ, SDSC and sleep diary).
RESULTS: The study included 23 patients, of who 86.95% had neurologic disease. The most common sleep disorders were chronic insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, with an overall prevalence of 78.26%. Low ferritin levels and the need for respiratory support during sleep were associated with worse scores on the sleep scale (SDSC).
CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in PPC, but validated scales and studies in large PPC samples are needed to improve their diagnosis and treatment and, consequently, the quality of life of patients and their families.
