Newer treatment modalities for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is common and its prevalence is expected to increase with the current obesity epidemic. If left untreated, it is associated with important morbidity such as growth failure, neurocognitive impairment, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction. Recent research has shown that many children, especially the obese or those with other underlying medical conditions, have residual obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy (the primary treatment for childhood obstructive sleep apnea). These children could be effectively treated with continuous positive airway pressure but poor adherence is a significant limitation of this therapy. Therefore, new treatment modalities for the pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are needed. Current research has focused on newer therapies for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, such as anti-inflammatories, dental treatments, high-flow nasal cannula, and weight loss. However, there are few randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of these therapies. Further research is warranted.
Sleep Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA. tapia@email.chop.edu
Ignacio E
IE
Tapia
Carole L
CL
Marcus
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019819:Budesonide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016684:Prone Position; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000379:methods; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D016683:Supine Position; D013812:Therapeutics; D015431:Weight Loss
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019819:Budesonide; D011241:Prednisone
Nasal corticosteroids; Obstructive sleep apnea; Rapid maxillary expansion; Weight loss