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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

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Does central sleep apnea occur in children with syndromic craniosynostosis?

C Driessen1, I M J Mathijssen, M R De Groot

  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dutch Craniofacial Centre, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. c.driessen@erasmusmc.nl

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|April 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is uncommon in children with syndromic craniosynostosis. Despite potential risk factors like hindbrain herniation, central sleep apnea syndrome (CAS) was not identified in this patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Craniofacial Surgery
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Syndromic craniosynostosis involves premature fusion of skull sutures, potentially affecting brain development and sleep.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) and central sleep apnea syndrome (CAS) are sleep-disordered breathing conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and causes of CSA and CAS in children with syndromic craniosynostosis.
  • To investigate the association between CSA/CAS and factors like hindbrain herniation and white matter abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 138 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis.
  • Ambulatory polysomnography (sleep studies) to assess central and obstructive apneas.
  • Cerebral MRI to evaluate for hindbrain herniation.

Main Results:

  • Central apneas decreased with age (R=-0.25, p=0.003).
  • CSA prevalence was 3.6% (5/138 patients), with no pathologically increased central apnea index in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients.
  • Hindbrain herniation was not associated with increased central apneas.

Conclusions:

  • Central sleep apnea syndrome (CAS) was not observed in children with syndromic craniosynostosis.
  • Despite potential risk factors including white matter abnormalities, OSAS, and hindbrain herniation, CAS is not a feature of this condition.
Abstract

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