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Obstructive sleep apnea in infants and children
The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children often leads to serious health issues like cor pulmonale and developmental delays due to delayed diagnosis. Early detection and surgical intervention significantly improve outcomes for affected infants and children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects infants and children.
- Delayed diagnosis is common, with a mean referral delay of 23 months for those seen after the neonatal period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, sequelae, and treatment outcomes of OSA in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for improving patient morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 22 infants and children diagnosed with OSA.
- Physical examination, clinical and radiologic evaluations (including upper airway fluoroscopy), and polygraphic monitoring were used.
- Surgical intervention was performed for pharyngeal airway obstruction.
Main Results:
- 73% of patients developed serious sequelae, including cor pulmonale (55%) and failure to thrive (27%).
- Anatomic abnormalities narrowing the upper airway were identified in 21 patients.
- Twenty patients improved after surgical relief of airway obstruction.
Conclusions:
- OSA in children is associated with significant morbidity, often due to delayed diagnosis.
- Increased awareness and examination of sleeping children can lead to earlier treatment and reduced complications.