Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS): Patient Quality of
Life and Caregiver Burden
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.