[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in childhood]

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common problem in children. It is characterized by a partial airway obstruction associated with hypoxemia and hypoventilation rather than complete airway obstruction.

Adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy is the leading cause but there are other risk factors like craniofacial abnormalities. OSAS may lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities, growth and cardiorespiratory failure. It differs significantly from adult OSAS in its clinical presentation, polysomnographic findings and management. In spite of the fact that the diagnosis is often made on a clinical basis, the definitive and differential one only can be made by polysomnography.

An overview of this pathology and the different polysomnographic parameters used are reported. Efforts to detect sleep apnea syndrome should be employed in children who present with the symptoms discussed. New guidelines for pediatric polysomnography should help standardize methods.