Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Laryngeal Mask Airway LMA Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway SGA
Published on: July 14, 2023
Prevalence and risk factors for central sleep apnea in infants with laryngomalacia
Archwin Tanphaichitr1, Pattraporn Tanphaichitr, Polporn Apiwattanasawee
1Sleep Disorders Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Central sleep apnea (CSA) affects nearly half of infants with laryngomalacia, impacting sleep quality. Polysomnography may be needed for infants with complex conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Laryngomalacia is a common congenital disorder affecting infant airways.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a significant respiratory event during sleep.
- The relationship between laryngomalacia and CSA requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of central sleep apnea (CSA) in infants diagnosed with laryngomalacia.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with CSA in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted on infants diagnosed with laryngomalacia.
- Diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) data from 2003-2012 were analyzed.
- Infants who had undergone prior upper airway surgery were excluded.
Main Results:
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) was identified in 46.3% of infants with laryngomalacia.
- While certain factors like neurologic disease, hypotonia, syndromes, life-threatening events, prematurity, and younger age showed higher odds of CSA, they were not statistically significant.
- Infants with CSA exhibited reduced total sleep time and sleep efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a common comorbidity in infants with laryngomalacia.
- The study suggests a potential link between specific risk factors and CSA, though not statistically significant.
- Polysomnography (PSG) is recommended for evaluating infants with laryngomalacia, especially those with complex medical histories, to assess for CSA and its impact on sleep architecture.
Objective:
To identify the prevalence of and risk factors for central sleep apnea (CSA) in infants who are diagnosed with laryngomalacia.
Study Design:
Case series with chart review.
Setting:
Quaternary care pediatric hospital.
Subjects And Methods:
We performed a chart review in infants with laryngomalacia. All infants had diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) performed from 2003 to 2012. Infants who underwent supraglottoplasty or other upper airway surgery prior to PSG were excluded. CSA was defined as central apnea index ≥ 5. Demographic data, underlying diseases, and PSG data were reviewed and analyzed.
Results:
Fifty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the date PSG was performed was 3.4 ± 2.7 months. The prevalence of CSA in infants with laryngomalacia was 46.3%. Odds ratio (OR) of CSA was above 2.0 in patients with the following risk factors: underlying neurologic disease, hypotonia, or syndrome (OR = 2.5, P = .13), history of apparent life-threatening events (OR = 2.7, P = .19), premature infants (OR = 2.2, P = .33), and age less than 3 months (OR = 2.3, P = .15). However, none of the risk factors were statistically significant. Analysis of sleep architecture revealed a decrease in total sleep time (345.4 ± 70.6 minutes vs 393.5 ± 68.3 minutes, P = .02) and sleep efficiency (67.7 ± 8.9% vs 75.2 ± 9.3%, P = .004) in the CSA group.
Conclusion:
CSA is relatively common in infants with laryngomalacia. There seems to be a higher prevalence of CSA in infants with certain risk factors, but none of the risk factors are statistically significant. The presence of CSA can lead to alteration in sleep architecture. In addition to clinical evaluation, polysomnography may be warranted for the evaluation of infants with laryngomalacia and associated complex medical conditions.
More Related Videos
07:54Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Breathing
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques