title: Pediatric Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Update.
abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may be central neurologic (<5%) or obstructive (>95%) in origin and is a relatively prevalent condition in children. It affects 1%-5% of children aged 2-8 years and is caused by a variety of different pathophysiologic abnormalities. Cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive comorbidities can occur in both children and adults when left untreated. It also can cause severe behavioral problems in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened with an appropriate history and physical examination for symptoms and signs suggestive of OSAS. The diagnosis is primarily made clinically and confirmed by polysomnographic findings. Treatment depends on the child's age, underlying medical problems, polysomnography findings, and whether or not there is upper airway obstruction usually secondary to enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils, allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis, and other upper airway pathology. If enlarged adenoid or tonsils or both conditions exist, an adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or adenotonsillectomy remains the treatment of choice. Pharmacotherapy of OSAS has shown some effect in children with mild symptoms. This paper reviews the prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of OSAS.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
authors.forename: Zhenhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY. Electronic address: celestj@mail.amc.edu.
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Celestin
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Lockey
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Adenotonsillectomy; Apnea; Hypopnea; Pediatric sleep apnea syndrome; Polysomnography; Snoring