Sleep Apnea in Children With Down Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Genetics and Rare Diseases
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Early identification and management of OSA are crucial for improving health outcomes in children with DS.
• Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of PSG in children with DS aged 0-7 years.
• To determine the prevalence and severity of OSA in this cohort.
• To identify comorbidities associated with OSA and describe interventions used.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
• Data extracted from electronic medical records for children with DS born between 2013-2019.
• Statistical analysis included bivariate testing and multivariable logistic regression for OSA severity associations.

Main Results:

• 59% of 397 children with DS had PSG; 94% of those had abnormal results.
• 60% of abnormal PSGs showed moderate to severe OSA, with higher severity in younger children.
• OSA severity correlated with failure to thrive, aspiration, and laryngomalacia; 73% improved after intervention.

Conclusions:

• OSA is highly prevalent in infants and young children with DS, often diagnosed in the first year of life.
• Earlier PSG screening is recommended for high-risk infants, including those in the NICU or with feeding/airway issues.
• Interventions for OSA are effective in improving or resolving the condition in children with DS.