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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Sleep apnoea in infancy and childhood. Considering two possible causes: obstruction and neuromuscular disorders
1Huntlywood, 3 Styal Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AE, UK. neil-gordon@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children presents differently by age, with diagnosis and treatment varying. Children with neuromuscular disorders are at higher risk for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep apnoea in infancy and childhood is a significant concern.
- Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has diverse causes and presentations.
- Neuromuscular disorders place children at increased risk for sleep apnoea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in pediatric patients.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and confirmation methods for OSAS.
- To explore treatment options for pediatric OSAS.
- To highlight sleep apnoea risks in children with neuromuscular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in children.
- Analysis of clinical differences based on patient age.
- Discussion of diagnostic difficulties and confirmation techniques.
- Review of medical and surgical treatment modalities.
- Focus on sleep apnoea in pediatric patients with neuromuscular disorders (neuropathies, myopathies, neuromuscular junction disorders).
Main Results:
- Clinical presentation and challenges in diagnosing OSAS vary with age.
- Effective medical and surgical treatments are available for pediatric OSAS.
- Children with neuromuscular disorders represent a high-risk group for sleep apnoea.
- Specific neuromuscular conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy increase susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-dependent OSAS characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- A comprehensive approach to treatment, including medical and surgical options, is necessary.
- Paediatric neurologists should be aware of the heightened risk of sleep apnoea in children with neuromuscular diseases.
- Early identification and intervention are vital for improving outcomes in at-risk pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Two aspects of sleep apnoea in infancy and childhood are considered. First of all the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is reviewed; its causes, and types, and clinical differences depending on the age of the affected patient. Difficulties of diagnosis are discussed, as well as methods used to confirm the presence of the syndrome. Then means of treatment are considered, both medical and surgical. The second part of the paper is concerned with a particular group of children, especially at risk of sleep apnoea; those suffering from neuromuscular disorders as these are likely to be of special interest to paediatric neurologists. These include neuropathies, myopathies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonia, and disorders of the neuromuscular junction.
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