Down syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing: the dentist's role.
BACKGROUND
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by sleep fragmentation, oxygen desaturation and daytime somnolence. It is common in people with Down syndrome, occurring in at least one-half of this population.


METHODS
The authors review the clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea and its association with Down syndrome.


RESULTS
The diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in the Down syndrome population reinforce the important role that dentists play in recognizing its association with comorbidities and daily cognitive and behavioral function.


CONCLUSIONS
Sleep abnormalities in children with Down syndrome often are not cured by surgical procedures. These patients may not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure treatment, but they should benefit from the use of oral appliances.


CONCLUSIONS
The dentist has an important role in enhancing the quality of life of patients with Down syndrome, especially in the recognition and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.
Waldman
H Barry
HB
Department of General Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8706, USA. hwaldman@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Hasan
Faysal M
FM
Perlman
Steven
S
D002648:Child; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D003815:Dentists; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D024382:Professional Role; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*