Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

20.9K

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Down Syndrome

Mieke Maris1, Stijn Verhulst2, Marek Wojciechowski2

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.

Sleep
|November 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects two-thirds of children with Down syndrome (DS). Parental reports of snoring or witnessed apneas indicate higher OSA prevalence and severity, with younger age linked to more severe disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Genetics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS) is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Early identification and management of OSA are crucial for improving health outcomes in children with DS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of OSA in a large cohort of children with Down syndrome.
  • To identify patient-related factors associated with OSA severity in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, cross-sectional study design.
  • Full overnight polysomnography (PSG) was conducted.
  • Data from 122 children with DS were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Overall OSA prevalence was 66.4% in children with DS.
  • Severe OSA was diagnosed in nearly half of affected children.
  • Parental reports of snoring or witnessed apneas correlated with higher OSA prevalence and severity (75.7% vs 53.8%, P=0.019).
  • Younger age showed a significant inverse correlation with OSA severity (oAHI) (P=0.028).
  • Sex and BMI z-score did not significantly correlate with OSA severity.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of OSA (66.4%) exists in children with Down syndrome, even in those without typical symptoms (53.8%).
  • Parental observation of snoring or apneas is a key indicator for OSA risk.
  • Younger age is a significant factor associated with more severe OSA in children with DS.
Abstract

Keywords:
Down syndromeobstructive sleep apneapolysomnography

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach04:53

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach

Published on: October 18, 2024

1.6K
Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders05:34

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2023

3.8K

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
763
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.3K
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
2.0K
Meiosis I01:49

Meiosis I

Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by...
221.8K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
3.4K
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.7K