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Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS): Patient Quality of Life and Caregiver Burden
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  • Casey Rand,
  • Julien Pelissou,
  • Narayanan Krishnamurthi,
  • Xenia Proton de la Chapelle,
  • Martin Samuels,
  • Melinda Riccitelli,
  • Linda Dokas,
  • Ajay Kasi,
  • Bruno Massenavette,
  • Marie-Emilie Lampin,
  • Claire Loire,
  • Debra Weese-Mayer
Casey Rand
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Corresponding Author:crand@luriechildrens.org

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Julien Pelissou
La Mine Consulting Company
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Narayanan Krishnamurthi
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
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Xenia Proton de la Chapelle
AtmosR
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Martin Samuels
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
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Melinda Riccitelli
CCHS Network US
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Linda Dokas
CCHS Network US
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Ajay Kasi
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Inc
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Bruno Massenavette
Hospices Civils de Lyon
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Marie-Emilie Lampin
Lille University Hospital
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Claire Loire
Lille University Hospital
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Debra Weese-Mayer
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
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Abstract

Background: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by autonomic dysregulation and abnormal control of breathing, necessitating lifelong artificial ventilation. The impact of CCHS on patient quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden remains unquantified. Methods: A cross-sectional study of QoL in CCHS patients (≥12 years; WHOQOL–BREF) and burden in CCHS caregivers (Zarit Burden Interview) was conducted. Participants were recruited from CCHS support organizations. Participant age group, sex, primary language, and country of residence were collected. Results: 271 individuals (78 CCHS, 193 caregivers) from 15 countries participated. CCHS patients reported significantly reduced physical, psychological, and social relationships domain scores compared to healthy controls (p<0.01), yet >70% reported good overall QoL. Over half reported moderate or worse impact on QoL items including medical treatment dependence and cognitive function. Young CCHS patients (<25 years) reported better overall QoL and general health than those ≥25 years. CCHS caregiver burden was increased compared to that reported in other chronic diseases, with >50% reporting frequent caregiving-induced stress. Caregivers who reported financial issues also reported higher total burden (p<0.05). Conclusions: CCHS QoL scores are depressed compared to healthy individuals. This study identified specific domains of QoL and caregiver burden most impacted by CCHS, revealed a relationship between age and QoL in CCHS, and finances and burden in caregivers. Results offer targets for future interventions to enhance QoL in CCHS and reduce caregiver burden. Further work is needed to elucidate the relationship between CCHS impact and disease- and treatment-specific factors.
21 Dec 2024Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
24 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
24 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
24 Dec 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned