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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Published on: December 6, 2016

Sleep-disordered breathing in children with neurodisabilities

Kristien Vanhaverbeke1,2,3, Merve Selçuk4,3, Refika Ersu5

  • 1Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.

European Respiratory Review : an Official Journal of the European Respiratory Society
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in children with neurodisabilities, affecting their quality of life. This review highlights the growing recognition and treatment of SDB in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly recognized in children with neurodisabilities.
  • Affected children may present with obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, nocturnal hypoxemia, hypoventilation, or combinations.
  • The impact of SDB on quality of life in this population is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on SDB in children with neurodisabilities over the past two decades.
  • To focus on children with cerebral palsy, inborn errors of metabolism, and other genetic conditions causing neurodisability.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Focused analysis on specific neurodisability cohorts: cerebral palsy, inborn errors of metabolism, and genetic conditions (e.g., Rett syndrome).

Main Results:

  • SDB is prevalent and diverse in children with neurodisabilities.
  • Growing evidence supports the investigation and treatment of SDB in this cohort.
  • Surgical procedures and respiratory interventions like non-invasive ventilation are increasingly considered.

Conclusions:

  • SDB is a critical concern in pediatric neurodisability.
  • Paradigm shift towards active management of SDB in these children.
  • Further research and tailored interventions are warranted.

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