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Sleep Disorders in Children with Prader Willi Syndrome: Current Perspectives

David G Ingram1, Jill M Arganbright2, Emily Paprocki3

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Nature and Science of Sleep
|November 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) experience numerous health issues, particularly sleep disorders. Addressing these sleep problems offers a promising avenue to enhance the quality of life for affected children and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder.
  • Children with PWS are prone to obesity, endocrinopathies, developmental delays, and behavioral issues.
  • Sleep disorders are a significant and often challenging comorbidity in PWS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the etiology and clinical findings of Prader-Willi syndrome.
  • To provide an in-depth discussion of sleep disorders common in PWS.
  • To highlight clinical challenges in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in pediatric PWS patients.

Main Methods:

  • This is a perspective piece and literature review.
  • Focused review of PWS etiology and clinical manifestations.
  • In-depth discussion of sleep disorders in PWS, including complex cases.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disorders are prevalent and diverse in children with PWS.
  • Challenges include diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders and hypersomnia/narcolepsy.
  • The interaction between growth hormone therapy and sleep apnea requires careful consideration.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disorders significantly impact the quality of life for children with PWS and their families.
  • Further research is needed, but targeting sleep disorders is a key strategy for improving patient outcomes.
  • Effective management of sleep disorders can enhance overall well-being in PWS.

Keywords:
Prader-Willi syndromegrowth hormonenarcolepsysleep apnea

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