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Updated: May 19, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: an interdisciplinary approach: a prospective epidemiological study of
Constanze Sauer1, Bernhard Schlüter, Rolf Hinz
1Department of Orthodontics, Health Faculty, University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448, Witten, Germany. Constanze.Sauer@uni-wh.de
Insights
Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) affect 3% of preschool children, often linked to jaw abnormalities. Boys with adenotonsillar hyperplasia and specific dental issues need attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Data on sleep disorders in children is limited.
- Preschool children may experience sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD).
- SRBD can be associated with dental and jaw abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SRBD in preschool children.
- To investigate correlations between SRBD and occlusion/jaw abnormalities.
- To identify risk factors for SRBD in young children.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological study of 4,318 preschool children using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).
- Clinical examination by orthodontist and ENT specialist for positive PSQ scores.
- Polysomnography conducted on a subset of children with specific abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of SRBD was 3.3% in 5.5-year-olds, higher in boys.
- Indicators of SRBD include lack of concentration, hyperactivity, fatigue, mouth breathing, snoring, and breathing pauses.
- SRBD associated with mandibular retrognathia, lateral cross-bite, increased overjet, and orofacial dysfunctions.
- Adenotonsillar hyperplasia is a significant factor in SRBD development.
Conclusions:
- SRBD prevalence in 5- to 6-year-olds is approximately 3%.
- Boys with adenotonsillar hyperplasia, mandibular retrognathia, lateral cross bite, and enlarged overjet require focused attention.
- Early identification and management of SRBD risk factors are crucial in pediatric populations.
Unlabelled:
Population-representative data on sleep disorders in children is scarce.
Background And Objective:
The aim of this epidemiological study was to determine the prevalence of various sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) and any correlations with occlusion and jaw abnormalities in preschool children.
Materials And Methods:
The study material consisted of 4,318 children (5.5 years old) whose parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ); 60 out of 140 children (6.3 ± 0.78 years old) with a positive questionnaire score (> 0.33) were examined by an orthodontist and ENT specialist. From this cohort, 15 children who presented a dental occlusion and jaw abnormality but no indication for surgical reduction of adenotonsillar tissue underwent polysomnography in a sleep laboratory.
Results:
According to the PSQ, 3.3% of the 5.5-year-olds showed evidence of a SRBD. Boys were affected significantly more frequently. Lack of concentration, hyperactivity, morning fatigue, mouth breathing, loud snoring, and breathing interruptions were indicators of SRBD. The SRBD children more frequently presented with jaw abnormalities such as mandibular retrognathia, lateral cross-bite, and increased overjet. The SRBD cohort showed a higher rate of orofacial dysfunctions. Adenotonsillar hyperplasia still played a significant role in the development of SRBD.
Conclusion:
In contrast to previous reports in the literature, the frequency of SRBD in our group of 5- to 6-year-olds was lower (3%). Boys with adenotonsillar hyperplasia and/or mandibular retrognathia, lateral cross bite, and an enlarged overjet require special attention.
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