Polysomnography outcomes of sleep endoscopy-directed intervention in surgically naïve children at risk for persistent obstructive sleep apnea

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Optimal surgical and medical management of obstructive sleep apnea requires clinically reliable identification of patterns and sites of upper airway obstruction. A wide variety of modalities have been used to evaluate upper airway obstruction. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and cine MRI are increasingly used to identify upper airway obstruction sites, to characterize airway obstruction patterns, to determine optimum medical and surgical treatment, and to plan individualized surgical management. Here, we provide an overview of the applications of DISE and cine MRI in assessing upper airway obstruction in children and adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Optimal surgical and medical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires clinically reliable identification of patterns and sites of upper airway obstruction. A wide variety of modalities has been used to evaluate upper airway obstruction. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and cine MRI are increasingly used to identify upper airway obstruction sites, to characterize airway obstruction patterns, to determine optimum medical and surgical treatment, and to plan individualized surgical management. Here, the authors provide an overview of the applications of DISE and cine MRI in assessing upper airway obstruction in children and adults with OSA.

ERS International Congress 2023: highlights from the Paediatrics Assembly

Respiratory health in children is essential for general wellbeing and healthy development in the short and long term. It is well known that many respiratory diseases in adulthood have their origins in early life, and therefore research on prevention of respiratory diseases and management of children with respiratory diseases will benefit patients during the full life course. Scientific and clinical advances in the field of respiratory health are moving at a fast pace. This article summarises some of the highlights in paediatric respiratory medicine presented at the hybrid European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2023 which took place in Milan (Italy). Selected sessions are summarised by Early Career Members of the Paediatrics Assembly (Assembly 7) under the supervision of senior ERS officers, and cover a wide range of research areas in children, including respiratory physiology and sleep, asthma and allergy, cystic fibrosis, respiratory infection and immunology, neonatology and intensive care, respiratory epidemiology and bronchology.

Does DISE increase the success rate of surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in children? A systematic review of DISE directed treatment of children with OSAS

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the evidence on the success of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) directed surgery in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) defined as cure rate.

DATA SOURCES

The PRISMA guidelines were followed and three databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies on DISE directed surgery in children.

ENDPOINTS

Pre- and post-surgical change in polysomnography (PSG); change in surgical target; side effects.

REVIEW METHODS

Study quality was assessed using the modified Delphi technique quality appraisal tool for case series. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 1805 studies were found. The most important reasons for exclusion were as follows: none-DISE studies, reports on adults, conflation of results on syndromic and healthy patients, no relevant outcome measurements. Five studies with a total of 376 patients (range: 26-126) were included. The surgeons changed the planned strategy in 50.4 % of patients according to the DISE findings. Comparison of pre- and post-surgical sleep monitoring revealed an average decrease in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 11.1 and a treatment success (AHI < 5) and cure (AHI < 2) of 78 % and 53 %, respectively. The quality of the included studies was moderate especially due to small populations, designs without randomization or control groups, lack of analysis of drop outs, short follow-up, and considerable level of bias.

CONCLUSION

DISE directed surgery has been shown to change the surgical approach when treating children with OSA. If this can be transferred into a better outcome compared to standard surgical treatment is unknown, due to the current poor level of evidence. To decide whether or not DISE should be included in the treatment of children with OSA, we suggest further data, preferably an RCT, to increase the level of evidence.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus on scoring of pediatric Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)

OBJECTIVES

To develop consensus statements for the scoring of pediatric drug induced sleep endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

The leadership group identified experts based on defined criteria and invited 18 panelists to participate in the consensus statement development group. A modified Delphi process was used to formally quantify consensus from opinion. A modified Delphi priori process was established, which included a literature review, submission of statements by panelists, and an iterative process of voting to determine consensus. Voting was based on a 9-point Likert scale. Statements achieving a mean score greater than 7 with one or fewer outliers were defined as reaching consensus. Statements achieving a mean score greater than 6.5 with two or fewer outliers were defined as near consensus. Statements with lower scores or more outliers were defined as no consensus.

RESULTS

A total of 78 consensus statements were evaluated by the panelists at the first survey - 49 achieved consensus, 18 achieved near consensus, and 11 did not achieve consensus. In the second survey, 16 statements reached consensus and 5 reached near consensus. Regarding scoring, consensus was achieved on the utilization of a 3-point Likert scale for each anatomic site for maximal observed obstructions of <50% (Score 0, no-obstruction), ≥ 50% but <90% (Score 2, partial obstruction), and ≥ 90% (Score 3, complete obstruction). Anatomic sites to be scored during DISE that reached consensus or near-consensus were the nasal passages, adenoid pad, velum, lateral pharyngeal walls, tonsils (if present), tongue base, epiglottis, and arytenoids.

CONCLUSION

This study developed consensus statements on the scoring of DISE in pediatric otolaryngology using a modified Delphi process. The use of a priori process, literature review, and iterative voting method allowed for the formal quantification of consensus from expert opinion. The results of this study may provide guidance for standardizing scoring of DISE in pediatric patients.

International Consensus Statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

Evaluation and interpretation of the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allows for consolidation and determination of the key factors important for clinical management of the adult OSA patient. Toward this goal, an international collaborative of multidisciplinary experts in sleep apnea evaluation and treatment have produced the International Consensus statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ICS:OSA).

METHODS

Using previously defined methodology, focal topics in OSA were assigned as literature review (LR), evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBR-R) formats. Each topic incorporated the available and relevant evidence which was summarized and graded on study quality. Each topic and section underwent iterative review and the ICS:OSA was created and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICS:OSA addresses OSA syndrome definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors for disease, screening methods, diagnostic testing types, multiple treatment modalities, and effects of OSA treatment on multiple OSA-associated comorbidities. Specific focus on outcomes with positive airway pressure (PAP) and surgical treatments were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This review of the literature consolidates the available knowledge and identifies the limitations of the current evidence on OSA. This effort aims to create a resource for OSA evidence-based practice and identify future research needs. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities include improving the metrics of OSA disease, determining the optimal OSA screening paradigms, developing strategies for PAP adherence and longitudinal care, enhancing selection of PAP alternatives and surgery, understanding health risk outcomes, and translating evidence into individualized approaches to therapy.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Differences by Age in Surgically Naive Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Importance

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Previous reports of DISE findings in children have typically included a broad age range, but it is unclear how these patterns of obstruction vary with age.

Objective

To compare patterns of airway obstruction observed during DISE in 3 age groups of surgically naive children with SDB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of surgically naive nonsyndromic children with SDB or obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] at risk for residual disease after adenotonsillectomy (defined as having at least 1 of these criteria: severe OSA, older than 7 years, obesity, or Black race) who were recruited between May 1, 2015, and February 28, 2020, was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Data analysis was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022.

Exposures

DISE.

Main Outcomes and Measures

DISE findings were rated at 6 anatomic sites using the Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale (SERS). The association between age and severity of obstruction at each anatomic site and overall were compared using correlation (Kendall τ) and ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results

Data from 288 children (144 girls [50%]; 20 American Indian/Alaska Native [7%], 4 Asian [1%], 19 Black [7%], 93 Hispanic [33%], 2 Middle Eastern [1%], 6 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [2%], and 203 White [70%] individuals; median [IQR] age, 9.2 [7.0-11.7] years) were stratified by participant age into preschool (age 2-5 years; 27 [9%]), younger school-aged (age 5-10 years; 146 [51%]), and older school-aged (age 10-18 years; 115 [40%]). Among these subgroups, the prevalence of multilevel obstruction was 59%, 51%, and 30%, respectively. Increasing age was inversely correlated with obstruction of the nasal airway (τb, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.09), nasopharynx (τb, -0.20; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.10), velopharynx (τb, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.06), and overall obstruction (SERS total score: τb, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.14). An adjusted analysis demonstrated an inverse association between age and nasopharyngeal obstruction (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.92), SERS total score (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.90), and the number of sites of complete obstruction (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.95).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of surgically naive children with SDB found that preschool-aged children had more frequent multilevel obstruction, more severe overall obstruction, and nasopharyngeal obstruction compared with older children. Understanding the most common sites of obstruction and expected changes with age could inform personalized treatment for children with SDB.

The Effect of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy on Upper Airway Obstruction Patterns in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction  Alterations in upper airway flow dynamics and sites of airway obstruction immediately after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (TA) have not been assessed. Identification of the changes in airway obstruction patterns after TA potentially improves the surgical management of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Objective  To evaluate the effect of TA on upper airway obstruction patterns detected with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). Methods  The medical records of patients who underwent pre-TA DISE during the induction of anesthesia and post-TA DISE at the end of TA were reviewed. Data pertaining to polysomnography and DISE findings were analyzed. Results  Twenty-seven patients (15 male and 12 females aged between 2 and 18 years old) were identified. All patients had obstruction at multiple sites of the upper airway. Prior to TA, airway obstruction was at the level of the velum in 27 patients, of the oropharynx/lateral walls in 27, of the tongue in 7, and of the epiglottis in 4. After TA, airway obstruction was at the level of the velum in 24 patients, of the oropharynx/lateral walls in 16, of the tongue in 6, and of the epiglottis in 4. The degree of obstruction at the levels of the velum and oropharynx/lateral walls after TA was significantly decreased. Conclusions  Drug-induced sleep endoscopy performed prior to TA revealed that most of the sites of airway obstruction persisted after TA in OSA children with multiple sites of airway obstruction. Further studies in larger group of children with OSA are needed to establish the value of DISE findings in predicting residual OSA after TA, surgical planning, determining the need for post TA sleep study, and counseling caregivers.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy effect on intraoperative decision making in pediatric sleep surgery: A 2-year follow up

Objective

To further demonstrate sleep endoscopy's utility in improving surgical outcomes for pediatric OSA.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of surgically naïve patients <18 years old with diagnosed moderate-severe OSA who underwent DISE at the time of initial sleep surgery. Patients included in final analysis had both preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms. Surgical success was defined as an oAHI decrease by at least one diagnostic category. Residual OSA was defined as any patient with postoperative oAHI >1.

Results

A total of 106 patients had preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms. Patients with comorbidities comprised 53.8% of the group. Average BMI% was 88.2, with 75.5% classified as obese. The most common area of collapse was the base of tongue, occurring in 32.1% of patients. There was a statistically significant decrease from the mean preoperative oAHI of 29.7 to the mean postoperative oAHI of 6.6 (p < 0.001). Surgical success occurred in 76.4% of patients. A postoperative oAHI of <5 was achieved in 57.7% of patients with moderate or severe OSA. The average BMI% of patients who met surgical success was 86.4, while the average BMI% of patients who did not was 90.8. A postoperative oAHI of <5 was achieved in 68.4% of patients with a BMI% < 85, compared with 55.2% of patients with a BMI% ≥ 85.

Conclusion

This study supports the utilization of DISE during initial surgery for severe sleep apnea in the pediatric population. It was found to effectively aid in significantly reducing surgically naïve patients' mean oAHI.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Sleep and Breathing Disturbances in Children With Leigh Syndrome: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a progressive neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease characterized by necrotizing lesions affecting different parts of the central nervous system, especially in the brainstem and basal ganglia. Lesions in this area may involve respiratory and sleep centers, resulting in the clinically significant disturbances seen-but poorly characterized-in LS. The purpose of the present study is to characterize and compare the physiologic responses to respiratory disturbances quantified by polysomnography metrics of children with LS with age-sex- and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)-matched patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common clinical population with similar burden of sleep-disordered breathing.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative study of polysomnographic data from six patients with LS were reviewed and compared with 18 age-sex-AHI-matched patients with OSA, with particular attention to cardiorespiratory and sleep architecture metrics.

RESULTS

Sleep architecture and stage duration were conserved in LS and OSA groups, but increased wake after sleep onset was seen among the first group. The LS group exhibited both obstructive and central sleep apnea. The group also had significantly greater values of heart rate, ≥3% oxygen desaturation index, and lower values of sleep efficiency, respiratory arousal index, and total sleep time when compared with the OSA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LS exhibited significantly more sleep-related cardiorespiratory disturbances and sleep fragmentation when compared with neurotypical children with OSA. Given that these findings are plausibly detrimental to health and development, sleep evaluation in patients with similar conditions should be encouraged for early management.

Reliability of a pediatric sleep endoscopy scoring system

INTRODUCTION

The surgical management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be guided by Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE), but there is no universally accepted scoring system for DISE in children. The purpose of this study is to compare a novel system to the more commonly used VOTE (Velum, Oropharynx, Tongue base, Epiglottis) system.

METHODS

A total of thirty pediatric DISE videos were reviewed and scored twice by 5 raters with a range of experience levels. The videos were scored using both the VOTE and the new scoring systems. The raters were also asked to recommend surgical intervention based on the DISE exam alone. Intra-rater test-retest analysis of the responses was conducted using weighted kappa (WK) statistic and percentage agreement (PA), respectively. Inter-rater reliability analysis of responses was evaluated using Krippendorff's alpha reliability coefficient (KA). Using a proportional odds model, a comparison of the weighted kappa statistic for the VOTE and the novel scoring systems was conducted.

RESULTS

For the novel scoring system, the intra-rater test-retest WK coefficient was 0.62 and 0.87 and the PA was 64% and 82% at the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. For the VOTE system, the intra-rater test-retest WK coefficient was 0.50 and 1.00 and PA was 75% and 100% at the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. KA was 0.36 and 0.77 at the 25th and 75th percentiles. In addition, responses to the surgical intervention survey analysis yielded a test-retest WK coefficient of 0.40 and 1.00 and a PA 71%-100% at the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. KA was 0.40 and 0.61 at the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 scoring systems on the WK statistic (p = .15), but significant difference on PA (p = .01).

CONCLUSION

Our novel scoring system demonstrated intra-rater test-retest and inter-rater reliability similar to the VOTE system, includes more sites of potential airway obstruction, and has potential for widespread use.

Pediatric pulmonary year in review 2021: Sleep medicine

Pediatric pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on a wide variety of pediatric respiratory disorders. In this article, we summarized the past year's publications in sleep medicine and reviewed selected literature from other journals in this field. We focused on original research articles exploring aspects of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and sickle cell disease. We also explored sleep-disordered breathing risk factors, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment; and included recent recommendations for drug-induced sleep endoscopy and ways to monitor and improve PAP adherence remotely.

Pediatric sleep outcomes after endoscopy-directed simultaneous lingual tonsillectomy and epiglottopexy

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sleep endoscopy-directed simultaneous lingual tonsillectomy and epiglottopexy in patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB), including polysomnography (PSG) and swallowing outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing simultaneous lingual tonsillectomy and epiglottopexy over the study period. PSG objective measures were recorded pre- and postoperatively, along with demographic data, comorbidities, and descriptive data of swallowing dysfunction in the postoperative setting.

Results

A total of 24 patients met inclusion criteria for consideration, with 13 having valid pre- and postoperative PSG data. Successful surgery was achieved in 84.6% of patients, with no difference based on presence of medical comorbidities including Trisomy 21. Median reduction in obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (oAHI) with the procedure was 69.9%. Four patients (16.7%) had postoperative concern for dysphagia, but all objective swallowing evaluations were normal and no dietary modifications were necessary.

Conclusion

Combination lingual tonsillectomy and epiglottopexy in indicated patients has a high rate of success in this single-institutional study without new dysphagia in this population. These procedures are amenable to a combination surgery in appropriately selected patients determined by sleep state endoscopy in the setting of SDB evaluated with drug-induced sleep endoscopy.

Graphical abstract

Sleep Endoscopy Findings in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Small Tonsils

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children is treated primarily with adenotonsillectomy (AT). When clinical exam demonstrates small tonsils, the success of AT in resolving OSA is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to determine the utility of Drug induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) for children with OSA and small tonsils (Brodsky scale 1+) and to identify what obstructive trends exist in this subset of patients and to determine the utility of DISE-directed surgical intervention in patients with small tonsils.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent DISE at a tertiary care center over a 2-year period. Inclusion criteria were 1+ tonsils and a positive sleep study. Data collected included DISE findings, BMI, comorbid conditions, and pre-op PSG data.

RESULTS

Forty children were included with a mean age of 5.0 years (range 8 months-16 years). Mean preoperative AHI was 5.46 and mean oxygen saturation nadir was 87.1%. The most common contributor to airway obstruction was the adenoid (29 patients, 72.5%), followed by the tongue base or lingual tonsil (21 patients, 52.5%). The palatine tonsils (10 patients, 25.0%), epiglottis (10.0%), or obstruction intrinsic to the larynx (10.0%) were significantly less frequently identified as contributors to OSA when compared to the adenoid (P < .001). The majority of patients had multilevel obstruction (25 patients, 62.5%). Adenoidectomy (27 patients, 67.5%) was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by tonsillectomy (10 patients, 25.0%, P < .001) and tongue base surgery (9 patient 22.5%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In this group, small palatine tonsils were infrequently identified as a contributor to airway obstruction and tonsillectomy was avoided in most cases. This study illustrates the utility of DISE as a tool to personalize the surgical management of pediatric patients with OSA and small tonsils on physical exam.

Pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy: An updated review of the literature

The field of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has grown considerably over the last 10∼15 years, to now include its use in pediatric patients. In this review article, we outline our approach to the use of this technology in Children with Airway Obstruction, most specifically in the management of children with airway obstruction and known or suspected adenotonsillar enlargement.

The Quest for a DISE Protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this quality initiative project was to modify our existing institutional drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) protocol so that the surgeon could consistently determine obstructive breathing patterns while minimizing children's discomfort.

METHODS

A quality initiative study utilizing the well-described plan-do-study-act (PDSA) process was conducted at a tertiary hospital for children with polysomnogram-documented obstructive sleep apnea who were undergoing DISE. A 4-point Likert measurement tool was created. Change in each Likert rating with subsequent PDSA cycle was tested with the Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann-Whitney), and change across all PDSA cycles was tested with the Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank test.

RESULTS

After a series of 4 PDSA cycles with 81 children, the DISE protocol was streamlined from 14 to 9 steps. There was significant improvement for all aspects of the DISE, with a final overall median rating of 1 (excellent) for intravenous (IV) placement, scope insertion, and anesthesiologist and surgeon satisfaction (P < .01).

DISCUSSION

For sleep surgeons, DISE is quickly becoming what bronchoscopy is to the airway surgeon. Utilizing inhalational agents to obtain IV access and insert the flexible scope in the rapid "on-off" fashion optimizes DISE success regardless of the primary sedation medication and allows ample time for these agents to dissipate.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Adoption of a DISE protocol that includes nasal premedication and inhalational volatile gases for IV and scope insertion at the onset provides a more predictable level of sedation that is well tolerated by the patient, enabling the otolaryngologist to create an obstructive sleep apnea treatment plan.

Paediatrics: how to manage obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is defined as the intermittent reduction or cessation of airflow due to partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Paediatric OSAS has specific contributing factors, presenting symptoms and management strategies in various age groups. Untreated OSAS can lead to detrimental effects on neurocognitive development and cardiovascular and metabolic functions of a growing child. In the past decade, practice guidelines have been developed to guide the evaluation and management of OSAS. This article provides a narrative review on the current diagnostic and treatment options for paediatric OSAS. Alternative diagnostic tools other than the standard polysomnography are discussed. Adenotonsillectomy is considered the first-line therapy yet it is not suitable for treatment of all OSAS cases. Nocturnal non-invasive positive airway pressure ventilation is effective and could be the priority treatment for patients with complex comorbidities, residual OSAS post-adenotonsillectomy or obesity. However, intolerance and non-adherence are major challenges of positive airway pressure therapy especially in young children. There is increasing evidence for watchful waiting and other gentler alternative treatment options in mild OSAS. The role of anti-inflammatory drugs as the primary or adjunctive treatment is discussed. Other treatment options, including weight reduction, orthodontic procedures and myofunctional therapy, are indicated for selected patients. Nevertheless, the successful management of paediatric OSAS often requires a multidisciplinary team approach.

Expert Consensus Statement: Pediatric Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To develop an expert consensus statement on pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) that clarifies controversies and offers opportunities for quality improvement. Pediatric DISE was defined as flexible endoscopy to examine the upper airway of a child with obstructive sleep apnea who is sedated and asleep.

METHODS

Development group members with expertise in pediatric DISE followed established guidelines for developing consensus statements. A search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements regarding DISE in children 0 to 18 years old. Topics with significant practice variation and those that would improve the quality of patient care were prioritized.

RESULTS

The development group identified 59 candidate consensus statements, based on 50 initial proposed topics, that focused on addressing the following high-yield topics: (1) indications and utility, (2) protocol, (3) optimal sedation, (4) grading and interpretation, (5) complications and safety, and (6) outcomes for DISE-directed surgery. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and removal of duplicative statements, 26 statements met the criteria for consensus; 11 statements were designated as no consensus. Several areas, such as the role of DISE at the time of adenotonsillectomy, were identified as needing further research.

CONCLUSION

Expert consensus was achieved for 26 statements pertaining to indications, protocol, and outcomes for pediatric DISE. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and identify areas of uncertainty. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to pediatric DISE.

The Emerging Role of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. Continuous positive airway pressure is the first-line therapy for most patients, but adherence is often poor. Alternative treatment options such as mandibular advancement devices, positional therapy, and surgical interventions including upper airway stimulation target different levels and patterns of obstruction with varying degrees of success. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy enables the visualization of upper airway obstruction under conditions mimicking sleep. In the era of precision medicine, this additional information may facilitate better decision-making when prescribing alternative treatment modalities, with the hope of achieving better adherence and/or success rates. This review discusses the current knowledge and evidence on the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the non-positive airway pressure management of obstructive sleep apnea.

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Neurocognition

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea affects a large number of children and has multiple end-organ sequelae. Although many of these have been demonstrated to be reversible, the effects on some of the organ systems, including the brain, have not shown easy reversibility. Progress in this area has been hampered by lack of a preclinical model to study the disease. Therefore, perioperative and sleep physicians are tasked with making a number of difficult decisions, including optimal surgical timing to prevent disease evolution, but also to keep the perioperative morbidity in a safe range for these patients.

Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Handling the Unknown with Precision

Treatment approaches to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have remarkably evolved over the last two decades. From an a priori assumption that surgical removal of enlarged upper airway lymphadenoid tissues (T&A) was curative in the vast majority of patients as the recommended first-line treatment for pediatric OSA, residual respiratory abnormalities are frequent. Children likely to manifest persistent OSA after T&A include those with severe OSA, obese or older children, those with concurrent asthma or allergic rhinitis, children with predisposing oropharyngeal or maxillomandibular factors, and patients with underlying medical conditions. Furthermore, selection anti-inflammatory therapy or orthodontic interventions may be preferable in milder cases. The treatment options for residual OSA after T&A encompass a large spectrum of approaches, which may be complementary, and clearly require multidisciplinary cooperation. Among these, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), combined anti-inflammatory agents, rapid maxillary expansion, and myofunctional therapy are all part of the armamentarium, albeit with currently low-grade evidence supporting their efficacy. In this context, there is urgent need for prospective evidence that will readily identify the correct candidate for a specific intervention, and thus enable some degree of scientifically based precision in the current one approach fits all model of pediatric OSA medical care.