Sleep disturbances, including obstructive
sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), are common in children and can result in
significant health problems if left untreated. In a revised clinical practice
guideline, “Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome,” published in the September 2012 Pediatrics (published online August
27), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children or
adolescents who snore regularly be screened for OSAS. Additional symptoms can
include labored breathing during sleep, disturbed sleep with frequent gasps,
snorts or pauses, and daytime learning problems. It is important for children
exhibiting signs of OSAS to get a comprehensive diagnosis by having an
overnight, in-laboratory sleep study done. If left untreated, OSAS can result in
problems such as behavioral issues, cardiovascular problems, poor growth and
developmental delays. Treatments are available that can result in significant
improvements in these complications. Adenotonsillectomy is effective in treating
OSAS and is recommended as the first line of therapy. Obesity can be a risk
factor, so physicians may recommend weight loss in addition to other therapies
in overweight or obese children. Post-operatively, physicians should be aware of
the criteria suggesting which patients should be admitted and when other
treatment should be considered, such as
CPAP.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is
an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical
subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the
health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and
young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.
