title: Physiological effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in childhood.
abstract: Sleep disordered breathing in children refers to a group of respiratory disorders that occur or are exacerbated during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most significant disorders in this group. OSAS can present in all age groups from early infancy to adolescent years. The cardinal feature of OSAS is limitation of inspiratory flow and volume during sleep resulting in abnormal gas exchange and/or alteration of sleep patterns. When OSAS is a chronic condition it often results in adverse physiological effects that impact on health and development. The present review discusses genesis of OSAS in children and consequent end organ injury with special emphasis on behavior and cognition, cardiovascular function, autonomic regulation, inflammation, endothelial function and metabolic syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital at Montefiore, 3415 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Electronic address: hmuzumda@montefiore.org.
authors.forename: Hiren
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Muzumdar
authors.forename: Raanan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017286:Polysomnography; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Children; Obstructive sleep apnea; Pathophysiology; Physiology; Sleep disordered breathing