Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): a complication of acute infectious mononucleosis infection in a child

Jeffrey Cheng1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, United States.

Insights

Acute obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is rare. This case highlights medical management with corticosteroids and CPAP, an alternative to surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are common in children.
  • Acute EBV infection rarely causes acute-onset OSA.

Observation:

  • A child presented with acute-onset obstructive sleep apnea during an EBV infection.
  • Previous management often involved urgent adenotonsillectomy.

Findings:

  • The patient's OSA was successfully managed medically.
  • Treatment included systemic corticosteroids and non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Implications:

  • Medical management is a viable alternative to surgery for acute OSA secondary to EBV infection in children.
  • Highlights an updated, less invasive approach to a rare pediatric respiratory complication.

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