Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: the year in review

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

R Mark Ray1, Charles M Bower

  • 1Pediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA. RayRMark@uams.edu

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|November 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime symptoms affecting neurobehavioral function. Early diagnosis and treatment, often involving adenotonsillectomy, significantly improve children's quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Neurobehavioral Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly linked to daytime neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits.
  • Variability in diagnostic criteria and care protocols has historically hindered systematic analysis of pediatric OSA.
  • Accurate identification of children who will benefit from OSA treatment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea on neurobehavioral and cognitive functioning.
  • To examine treatment outcomes for children diagnosed with OSA.
  • To highlight recent findings and challenges in diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent (past year) data on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Analysis of diagnostic modalities, including polysomnography and clinical examination.
  • Evaluation of treatment outcomes, particularly adenotonsillectomy.

Main Results:

  • A significant correlation exists between pediatric OSA and daytime symptoms, which are mitigated by treatment.
  • Clinical history and physical examination are highly effective diagnostic tools for pediatric OSA.
  • Polysomnography may underestimate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in some children; primary snoring can warrant treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate and universal diagnostic and treatment systems for pediatric OSA are vital due to its profound effects.
  • Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the primary cause of OSA in children.
  • Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy effectively improve sequelae and quality of life for affected children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.