Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Section snippets
Epidemiology
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects 1.2–5.7% of children.1 OSAS affects children of all ages but the peak prevalence occurs at 2–8 years of age, which coincides with the peak age of tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy.2 African American ethnicity, increased body mass index, tobacco exposure, and reduced family income correlate with an increased severity of OSAS.3
A study in children younger than 2 years old revealed an increased incidence of OSAS in those with a history of
Pathophysiology
Upper airway obstruction can be complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea), and can be followed by desaturation, hypercapnia, or increased respiratory effort leading to an arousal. The pathophysiology of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea can be divided into factors that affect upper airway collapsibility, factors that produce anatomic narrowing, or a combination of both.1
Diagnosis
Both nocturnal and diurnal symptoms can be present in children with OSAS. The most common nocturnal symptom of OSAS in children is snoring. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine screening for snoring at each well child visit. Children who snore should undergo a detailed history and physical examination. If symptoms or signs of OSAS are present (Table 2), the child should be referred for nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) or referred for further evaluation by a sleep medicine
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Cited by (51)
Adenotonsillotomy versus adenotonsillectomy in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: A 5-year RCT: ATE vs ATT for pediatric OSA: a 5-year follow-up
2022, Sleep Medicine: XCitation Excerpt :It occurs when breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep because of an obstruction in the upper airway. The estimated prevalence of OSA among children is 1–6% [1], with the peak between 2 and 8 years of age when tonsil and adenoid lymphoid growth is most active [2]. Hence, the most common cause of OSA in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and the most common surgical treatment is to remove the tonsils, either with or without the adenoid (adenoidectomy).
Sleep Complaints Among School Children
2022, Sleep Medicine ClinicsOutcome of drug induced sleep endoscopy directed surgery in paediatrics obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review
2020, International Journal of Pediatric OtorhinolaryngologyCitation Excerpt :Similarly, OSA in the paediatrics age group has shown male predominance after puberty whilst similar incidence was noted amongst prepubertal children [28]. Interestingly, age between 2 and 8 years has unveiled peak prevalence in OSA owing to the peak time of adenotonsillar hypertrophy [29]. Adolescent boys have shown to have smaller upper airway and greater adenoid size as compared to adolescent girls [30].