Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Objective: To review evidence-based knowledge of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Data Sources and Extraction: We reviewed published articles regarding pediatric OSAS; extracted the clinical symptoms, syndromes, polysomnographic findings and variables, and treatment options, and reviewed the authors' recommendations.
Data Synthesis: Orthodontic and craniofacial abnormalities related to pediatric OSAS are commonly ignored, despite their impact on public health. One area of controversy involves the use of a respiratory disturbance index to define various abnormalities, but apneas and hypopneas are not the only abnormalities obtained on polysomnograms, which can be diagnostic for sleep-disordered breathing. Adenotonsillectomy is often considered the treatment of choice for pediatric OSAS. However, many clinicians may not discern which patient population is most appropriate for this type of intervention; the isolated finding of small tonsils is not sufficient to rule out the need for surgery. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure can be . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Archives of Surgery
Archives of Surgery
Archives of Internal Medicine
