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Obstructive sleep apnea in children: implications for the developing central nervous system

David Gozal1

  • 1Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute and Division of Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. david.gozal@louisville.edu

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|June 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized. This review explores its causes, psychobehavioral effects, and links to central nervous system issues, highlighting the impact of hypoxia and sleep fragmentation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Growing awareness of high prevalence of sleep disorders in children.
  • Particular focus on sleep-disordered breathing and its impact.
  • Need to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Elaborate on pathogenetic elements of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Focus on psychobehavioral consequences of pediatric OSA.
  • Review mechanisms linking CNS morbidity with OSA characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on pediatric OSA.
  • Analysis of pathogenetic factors contributing to OSA.
  • Examination of psychobehavioral outcomes and neurological associations.

Main Results:

  • Identified key pathogenetic elements contributing to pediatric OSA.
  • Detailed the significant psychobehavioral consequences in affected children.
  • Reviewed evidence supporting links between OSA, hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and CNS morbidity.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric OSA has identifiable causes and significant psychobehavioral impacts.
  • Episodic hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA are closely associated with central nervous system morbidity.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex relationships.

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