Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 12, 2026

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

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

Published on: December 6, 2016

Sleep disordered breathing in children with achondroplasia

Marco Zaffanello^1,2, Gaetano Cantalupo³, Giorgio Piacentini³

¹Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. marco.zaffanello@univr.it.

World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP

|November 11, 2016

Abstract

Background:

Children with achondroplasia often have breathing problems, especially during sleep. The most important treatments are adenotonsillectomy (for treating upper obstruction) and/or neurosurgery (for resolving cervicomedullar junction stenosis).

Data Sources:

We reviewed the scientific literature on polysomnographic investigations which assessed the severity of respiratory disorders during sleep.

Results:

Recent findings have highlighted the importance of clinical investigations in patients with achondroplasia, differentiating between those that look for neurological patterns and those that look for respiratory problems during sleep. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatosensory evoked potentials are the main tools to evaluate necessary neurosurgery and over myelopathy, respectively.

Conclusions:

The use of polysomnography enables clinicians to identify children with upper airway obstruction and to quantify disease severity; it is not suitable for MRI and/or neurosurgery considerations.

Keywords:

achondroplasia children polysomnography sleep disordered breathing upper respiratory tract obstruction

More Related Videos

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

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

Published on: October 18, 2024

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Published on: February 14, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea

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...

Alterations in Respiration II

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...

Breathing

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Clinical and genetic spectrum of distal renal tubular acidosis in children: findings from Indian tubular disorders registry.

Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany)·2026

When Asthma Leads to Air: Pneumomediastinum in a Child.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

Current clinical care for women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome across the European reference network on rare endocrine conditions.

Journal of endocrinological investigation·2026

The evolution of scientific knowledge in childhood asthma over time.

European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society·2026

Electrographic-only seizures and status epilepticus in neonates with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Pediatric research·2026

A pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating a resveratrol/β-glucan nasal spray for preventing respiratory symptoms in preschool children with recurrent wheezing.

Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology·2026

See all related articles