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Published on: December 6, 2016
Down syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing: the dentist's role
H Barry Waldman1, Faysal M Hasan, Steven Perlman
1Department of General Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8706, USA. hwaldman@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Sleep apnea, a common disorder, affects many with Down syndrome. Dentists play a key role in diagnosing and managing sleep-disordered breathing, offering oral appliances as a beneficial treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder marked by sleep fragmentation, oxygen desaturation, and daytime sleepiness.
- This condition significantly impacts individuals with Down syndrome, affecting at least 50% of this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its specific association with Down syndrome.
- To highlight the role of dental professionals in managing sleep-disordered breathing in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on obstructive sleep apnea and Down syndrome.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing in Down syndrome patients underscore the dentist's crucial role.
- Recognizing the link between sleep apnea, comorbidities, and cognitive/behavioral function is vital.
Conclusions:
- Surgical interventions frequently do not resolve sleep abnormalities in children with Down syndrome.
- While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be poorly tolerated, oral appliances offer a promising treatment avenue.
- Dentists are instrumental in improving the quality of life for Down syndrome patients by identifying and treating sleep-disordered breathing.
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