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Management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with craniofacial malformation
H L Hoeve1, K F Joosten, S van den Berg
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. aukes@chis.azr.nl
Insights
Children with craniofacial syndromes often develop obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Early diagnosis and varied treatments, including continuous positive airway pressure, can prevent severe outcomes like tracheotomy, though more curative options are needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Craniofacial syndromes frequently cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children.
- Conditions like midfacial hypoplasia and micrognathia are associated with increased OSAS risk.
- Early recognition of OSAS in these children is critical for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss diagnostic methods for OSAS in children with craniofacial syndromes.
- To review therapeutic developments for pediatric OSAS.
- To present clinical experience with OSAS management in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic approaches for OSAS.
- Analysis of treatment strategies, including symptomatic and curative options.
- Case series presentation of 31 pediatric patients with craniofacial syndromes and OSAS.
Main Results:
- The majority of the 31 infants studied had moderate to severe OSAS.
- Treatments ranged from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to curative interventions.
- Symptomatic and curative therapies successfully prevented tracheotomy in many cases.
Conclusions:
- OSAS is a significant comorbidity in children with craniofacial syndromes.
- Current treatments can effectively manage OSAS and avoid tracheotomy.
- Further research into more curative treatment options for pediatric OSAS is warranted.
Abstract:
Children with craniofacial syndromes, especially those with midfacial hypoplasia, micrognathia, or deformation of the cranial base, are frequently suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). It is important to recognize this condition. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic developments are discussed. Experience with 31 patients in the Sophia Children's Hospital is presented. The majority of these infants suffered from moderate or severe OSAS. Treatment varied from symptomatic (e.g. continuous positive airway pressure) to curative. These therapies could often prevent a tracheotomy. Still more curative treatment options are needed.