Sleep-disordered breathing in paediatric setting: existing and upcoming of the genetic disorders

Cardiac Implications of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

This review investigates the relationship between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, often associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and cardiovascular health, particularly pulmonary hypertension. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using electronic databases, including Medline Pub-Med, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The study analyzed a total of 230 articles and screened 48 articles, with 20 included in the final analysis, involving 2429 children. The PRISMA flowchart visually illustrates the selection process, and the ROBINS-E and -I tools help ensure the reliability and validity of the evidence produced by these studies. These studies explored various aspects, including the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, cardiac anomalies, cardiac stress markers, risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, and the impact of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy on cardiac function. The research found that adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea are significant risk factors for cardiovascular complications, especially pulmonary hypertension, in children. Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy may provide effective treatments. Following adenoidectomy in relation to obstructive sleep apnea, there appears to be a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure during echocardiographic examination. However, the efficacy of these procedures can vary based on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and individual cardiac conditions. The study also identified concerns regarding data bias. The authors emphasize the need for well-designed clinical studies, including both healthy patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and vulnerable children with genetic disorders, to ensure that clinical decisions are based on solid scientific evidence.

Evaluation of polysomnography findings in children with genetic skeletal disorders

Children with genetic skeletal disorders have variable conditions that can lead to sleep-disordered breathing, and polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition. We aimed to review polysomnography findings, to assess the severity of sleep apnea, and to investigate the clinical variables predictive of sleep-disordered breathing in these patients. We retrospectively collected the medical records of patients with genetic skeletal disorders who underwent polysomnography for 5 years. Twenty-seven children with various genetic skeletal disorders, including achondroplasia (14), Crouzon syndrome (3), acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type (3), Apert syndrome (2), osteopetrosis (1), Jeune dysplasia (1), Desbuquois dysplasia (1), acrodysostosis (1), and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (1) were enrolled. The median age at the first polysomnography was 58 (1st-3rd quartile: 31-113) months. The overall sleep-disordered breathing results were: 19 (70.3%) had obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) (4 mild, 6 moderate, 9 severe), 2 (7.4%) had central apneas, 4 (14.8%) had nocturnal hypoventilation. There was a significant correlation between non-ambulatory status with both total AHI and OSA (p < 0.001, rho: -0.66/p = 0.04, rho: 0.38, respectively). Nine patients received positive airway pressure titration, and the oAHI values of all returned to the normal range. These patients were started with positive airway pressure treatment. Our cohort showed that the majority of the patients with skeletal dysplasia had sleep apnea syndrome characterised mainly by OSA, highlighting the importance of polysomnography screening for sleep disorders. Positive airway pressure therapy represents an effective treatment for sleep-disordered breathing in those patients.

The Impact of Growth Hormone Therapy on Sleep-Related Health Outcomes in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Review and Clinical Analysis

This literature review of growth hormone (GH) therapy and sleep-related health outcomes in children diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) assembles evidence for the consequences of sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality: difficulty concentrating and learning at school, behavioral problems, diminished quality of life, and growth impairment. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is another factor that impacts a child's well-being. We searched the electronic databases Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science using MeSH terms and text words to retrieve articles on GH deficiency, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy, sleep quality, SDB, and PWS in children. The censor date was April 2023. The initial search yielded 351 articles, 23 of which were analyzed for this review. The study findings suggest that while GH may have a role in regulating sleep, the relationship between GH treatment and sleep in patients with PWS is complex and influenced by GH dosage, patient age, and type and severity of respiratory disorders, among other factors. GH therapy can improve lung function, linear growth, and body composition in children with PWS; however, it can also trigger or worsen obstructive sleep apnea or hypoventilation in some. Long-term GH therapy may contribute to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and exacerbate sleep apnea in children with PWS. Finally, GH therapy can improve sleep quality in some patients but it can also cause or worsen SDB in others, leading to diminished sleep quality and overall quality of life. The current evidence suggests that the initial risk of worsening SDB may improve with long-term therapy. In conclusion, rhGH is the standard for managing patients with PWS. Nonetheless, its impact on respiratory function during sleep needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Polysomnography is advisable to assess the need for adenotonsillectomy before initiating rhGH therapy. Close monitoring of sleep disorders in patients with PWS receiving GH therapy is essential to ensure effective and safe treatment.

Candidate genes for obstructive sleep apnea in non-syndromic children with craniofacial dysmorphisms - a narrative review

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) is a complex disease with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. The presence of craniofacial dysmorphisms influencing the patency of the upper airway is considered a risk factor for POSA development. The craniofacial features associated with sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) - craniosynostosis, retrognathia and micrognathia, midface and maxillary hypoplasia - have high heritability and, in a less severe form, could be also found in non-syndromic children suffering from POSA. As genetic factors play a role in both POSA and craniofacial dysmorphisms, we hypothesize that some genes associated with specific craniofacial features that are involved in the development of the orofacial area may be also considered candidate genes for POSA. The genetic background of POSA in children is less explored than in adults; so far, only one genome-wide association study for POSA has been conducted; however, children with craniofacial disorders were excluded from that study. In this narrative review, we discuss syndromes that are commonly associated with severe craniofacial dysmorphisms and a high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD), including POSA. We also summarized information about their genetic background and based on this, proposed 30 candidate genes for POSA affecting craniofacial development that may play a role in children with syndromes, and identified seven of these genes that were previously associated with craniofacial features risky for POSA development in non-syndromic children. The evidence-based approach supports the proposition that variants of these candidate genes could lead to POSA phenotype even in these children, and, thus, should be considered in future research in the general pediatric population.

Automated sleep staging in people with intellectual disabilities using heart rate and respiration variability

BACKGROUND

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a higher risk of sleep disorders. Polysomnography (PSG) remains the diagnostic gold standard in sleep medicine. However, PSG in people with ID can be challenging, as sensors can be burdensome and have a negative influence on sleep. Alternative methods of assessing sleep have been proposed that could potentially transfer to less obtrusive monitoring devices. The goal of this study was to investigate whether analysis of heart rate variability and respiration variability is suitable for the automatic scoring of sleep stages in sleep-disordered people with ID.

METHODS

Manually scored sleep stages in PSGs of 73 people with ID (borderline to profound) were compared with the scoring of sleep stages by the CardioRespiratory Sleep Staging (CReSS) algorithm. CReSS uses cardiac and/or respiratory input to score the different sleep stages. Performance of the algorithm was analysed using input from electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory effort and a combination of both. Agreement was determined by means of epoch-per-epoch Cohen's kappa coefficient. The influence of demographics, comorbidities and potential manual scoring difficulties (based on comments in the PSG report) was explored.

RESULTS

The use of CReSS with combination of both ECG and respiratory effort provided the best agreement in scoring sleep and wake when compared with manually scored PSG (PSG versus ECG = kappa 0.56, PSG versus respiratory effort = kappa 0.53 and PSG versus both = kappa 0.62). Presence of epilepsy or difficulties in manually scoring sleep stages negatively influenced agreement significantly, but nevertheless, performance remained acceptable. In people with ID without epilepsy, the average kappa approximated that of the general population with sleep disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Using analysis of heart rate and respiration variability, sleep stages can be estimated in people with ID. This could in the future lead to less obtrusive measurements of sleep using, for example, wearables, more suitable to this population.

Alternatives to Polysomnography for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) requires hospital-based, overnight level I polysomnography (PSG). Obtaining a level I PSG can be challenging for children and their caregivers due to the costs, barriers to access, and associated discomfort. Less burdensome methods that approximate pediatric PSG data are needed. The goal of this review is to evaluate and discuss alternatives for evaluating pediatric SDB. To date, wearable devices, single-channel recordings, and home-based PSG have not been validated as suitable replacements for PSG. However, they may play a role in risk stratification or as screening tools for pediatric OSA. Further studies are needed to determine if the combined use of these metrics could predict OSA.

Pediatric Sleep Respiratory Disorders: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity, the lack of which has severe repercussions on the mental and physical well-being in individuals of all ages. The phrase "sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)" indicates a wide array of conditions characterized by snoring and/or respiratory distress due to increased upper airway resistance and pharyngeal collapsibility; these range from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and occur in all age groups. In the general pediatric population, the prevalence of OSA varies between 2% and 5%, but in some particular clinical conditions, it can be much higher. While adenotonsillar hypertrophy ("classic phenotype") is the main cause of OSA in preschool age (3-5 years), obesity ("adult phenotype") is the most common cause in adolescence. There is also a "congenital-structural" phenotype that is characterized by a high prevalence of OSA, appearing from the earliest ages of life, supported by morpho-structural abnormalities or craniofacial changes and associated with genetic syndromes such as Pierre Robin syndrome, Prader-Willi, achondroplasia, and Down syndrome. Neuromuscular disorders and lysosomal storage disorders are also frequently accompanied by a high prevalence of OSA in all life ages. Early recognition and proper treatment are crucial to avoid major neuro-cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic morbidities.

Identification and validation of ferroptosis-related hub genes in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background

By 2020, the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in the US has reached 26. 6-43.2% in men and 8.7-27.8% in women. OSAS promotes hypertension, diabetes, and tumor growth through unknown means. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), sleep fragmentation, and increased pleural pressure are central mechanisms of OSAS complications. CIH exacerbates ferroptosis, which is closely related to malignancies. The mechanism of ferroptosis in OSAS disease progression remains unknown.

Methods

OSAS-related datasets (GSE135917 and GSE38792) were obtained from the GEO. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the R software and intersected with the ferroptosis database (FerrDb V2) to get ferroptosis-related DEGs (f-DEGs). GO, DO, KEGG, and GSEA enrichment were performed, a PPI network was constructed and hub genes were screened. The TCGA database was used to obtain the thyroid cancer (THCA) gene expression profile, and hub genes were analyzed for differential and survival analysis. The mechanism was investigated using GSEA and immune infiltration. The hub genes were validated with RT-qPCR, IHC, and other datasets. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into normoxia and CIH groups. ROS, MDA, and GSH methods were used to detect CIH-induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress.

Results

GSEA revealed a statistically significant difference in ferroptosis in OSAS (FDR < 0.05). HIF1A, ATM, HSPA5, MAPK8, MAPK14, TLR4, and CREB1 were identified as hub genes among 3,144 DEGs and 74 f-DEGs. HIF1A and ATM were the only two validated genes. F-DEGs were mainly enriched in THCA. HIF1A overexpression in THCA promotes its development. HIF1A is associated with CD8 T cells and macrophages, which may affect the immunological milieu. The result found CIH increased ROS and MDA while lowering GSH indicating that it could cause ferroptosis. In OSAS patients, non-invasive ventilation did not affect HIF1A and ATM expression. Carvedilol, hydralazine, and caffeine may be important in the treatment of OSAS since they suppress HIF1A and ATM.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the genes HIF1A and ATM are highly expressed in OSAS, and can serve as biomarkers and targets for OSAS.

Down Syndrome children with obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a complex disorder with significant clinical consequences for people with Down Syndrome (DS). OSAS is frequently seen in individuals with DS and, when present, tends to be more severe than in individuals without this syndrome.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The analysis was carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases. The literature review identified nine studies suitable for our evaluations according to the established inclusion criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The results of the study suggest that OSAS may be a common comorbidity in adolescents with DS; according to literature evidences a widespread screening and treatment in children with DS is undoubtedly useful. There is also evidence about an association between sleep disturbance and functional activities of daily living in children with DS.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies reviewed confirm that OSAS appears to occur at higher rates and greater severity in the population of children with DS. However, at present, there are no reliable clinical predictors of OSAS for this population of children.

Twenty-year follow-up of children with obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is associated with acute metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuro-cognitive abnormalities. The long-term outcomes of childhood OSA into adulthood has not been established. We performed a 20-year follow-up of patients with polysomnographically documented OSA in childhood compared to a healthy control group to evaluate the long-term anthropometric, sleep, cognitive, and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

Children diagnosed to have severe OSA between the ages of 1 - 17 years (4.87 ± 2.77) were prospectively contacted by telephone as young adults after approximately 20 years. Data collected included reported anthropometric, educational level, health history, and the Berlin questionnaire.

RESULTS

Young adults with confirmed severe OSA in childhood had significantly higher adulthood BMI (p=0.038), lower academic degrees (p<0.001), and more snoring (p=0.045) compared to controls. The AHI during childhood trended towards predicting cardiovascular outcomes and the Berlin questionnaire in adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with history of severe childhood OSA have a high risk of having snoring, elevated BMI, and lower academic achievement in adulthood. Thus, children with severe OSA may be at increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. The intervening COVID-19 pandemic has introduced considerable additional neurobehavioral morbidity complicating the identification of the full long-term consequences of childhood OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease that results from loss of upper airway muscle tone leading to upper airway collapse during sleep in anatomically susceptible persons, leading to recurrent periods of hypoventilation, hypoxia, and arousals from sleep. Significant clinical consequences of the disorder cover a wide spectrum and include daytime hypersomnolence, neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, respiratory failure, and pulmonary hypertension. With escalating rates of obesity a major risk factor for OSA, the public health burden from OSA and its sequalae are expected to increase, as well. In this chapter, we review the mechanisms responsible for the development of OSA and associated neurocognitive and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Emphasis is placed on the neural control of the striated muscles that control the pharyngeal passages, especially regulation of hypoglossal motoneuron activity throughout the sleep/wake cycle, the neurocognitive complications of OSA, and the therapeutic options available to treat OSA including recent pharmacotherapeutic developments.

Obstructing Sleep Apnea in Children with Genetic Disorders-A Special Need for Early Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment

Background—Children with genetic disorders have multiple anatomical and physiological conditions that predispose them to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). They should have priority access to polysomnography (PSG) before establishing their therapeutic protocol. We analyzed the prevalence and the severity of OSAS in a particular group of children with genetic disorders and strengthened their need for a multidisciplinary diagnosis and adapted management. Methods—The retrospective analysis included children with genetic impairments and sleep disturbances that were referred for polysomnography. We collected respiratory parameters from sleep studies: apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), SatO₂ nadir, end-tidal CO₂, and transcutaneous CO₂. Subsequent management included non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or otorhinolaryngological (ENT) surgery of the upper airway. Results—We identified 108 patients with neuromuscular disorders or multiple congenital anomalies. OSAS was present in 87 patients (80.5%), 3 of whom received CPAP, 32 needed another form of NIV during sleep, and 15 patients were referred for ENT surgery. The post-therapeutic follow-up PSG parameters confirmed the success of the treatment. Conclusions—The upper airway obstruction diagnostics and management for children with complex genetic diseases need a multidisciplinary approach. Early detection and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in children with genetic disorders is a priority for improving their quality of life.

Obstructive sleep apnea in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia: a population-based study

Background

Previous studies have found a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with achondroplasia, but clinical studies on this complication in adults with achondroplasia are lacking.

Objectives

This population-based, cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, severity, and predictive factors of OSA in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia.

Methods

We collected clinical data on 49 participants. Participants without a preexisting diagnosis of OSA had an overnight sleep registration. OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 plus characteristic clinical symptoms, or AHI ≥ 15. We used the Berlin Questionnaire to assess clinical symptoms of OSA.

Results

OSA was found in 59% (29/49) of the participants (95% confidence interval 44 to 73%), of whom 59% (17/29) had moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15), and 48% (14/29) were previously undiagnosed. Variables predictive of OSA were: excessive daytime sleepiness; unrested sleep; loud snoring; observed nocturnal breathing stops; hypertension; age > 40 years; and BMI > 30 kg/m².

Conclusion

OSA was highly prevalent in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia, which we believe is representative of this population worldwide. Follow-up of adults with achondroplasia should include assessment of symptoms and signs of OSA, with a low threshold for conducting an overnight sleep registration if findings suggestive of OSA are present.

Multidisciplinary clinic for care of children with complex obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE

While adenotonsillectomy (AT) remains first line therapy for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), management of children who are not candidates for AT or who have residual OSA post AT varies and spans across multiple specialties. We aim to report our experience in managing this population through a multidisciplinary sleep clinic composed of specialists in pediatric dentistry, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and pulmonary/sleep medicine.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHOD

The medical records of children attending our complex sleep apnea clinic were reviewed. Data pertaining to demographics, underlying diagnoses, prior evaluation and treatment, recommendations, and initial therapy were collected.

RESULT

Two-hundred and thirty patients (mean age 10.7 ± 5.1 years, 62.2% male) were assessed. Underlying conditions included Trisomy 21 (n = 65, 28.2%), other genetic syndromes (n = 37, 16.1%), obesity in an otherwise typically developing child (n = 36, 15.2%), cerebral palsy (n = 27, 11.7%), and craniofacial syndromes (n = 7, 3.0%). Mean obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) was 14.2 events/hour at first clinic visit, and the majority of children had previously undergone at least one upper airway surgery (n = 168, 73.0%), primarily adenotonsillectomy. Recommended initial treatment plans included positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy (n = 108, 47.0%), surgery (n = 75, 32.6%), allergy management (n = 52, 22.6%), and/or weight loss (n = 34, 14.8%). Patients prescribed PAP therapy with follow up data were found to be adherent 43.9% of the time. Surgical patients with post-operative polysomnography had pre-operative OAHI 15.6 ± SD13.4 decrease to 10.7 ± 14.2 events/hour (p = 0.61).

CONCLUSION

Genetic conditions and obesity were the most common underlying diagnoses cared for in the complex sleep apnea clinic. Patients presented with severe OSA, most having already had upper airway surgery. Management plans were frequently adjusted, and we observed improvement in SDB in a sub-segment of patients, suggesting benefit to a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach.

Obstructive sleep apnea in people with intellectual disabilities: adherence to and effect of CPAP

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), but in practice continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often deemed unfeasible. We investigated adherence to and effect of CPAP in patients with ID and OSA.

METHODS

Patients with ID were started on CPAP using an intensive training program. Acceptable adherence was defined as use of ≥ 4 h/night during ≥ 70% of the nights. Treatment effect was measured with a patient global impression scale and customized questionnaires. Reasons for not starting CPAP, factors influencing treatment, and reasons for terminating CPAP were explored.

RESULTS

Of 39 patients with ID, 87% after 8-10 weeks and 70% at 8 months still used CPAP, of whom 74% and 77% showed acceptable adherence. Baseline apnea-hypopnea (AHI) index decreased from 41.2/h to 5.3/h after 8-10 weeks (p < 0.001), and 4.3/h after 8 months (p < 0.001). At 8-10 weeks and after 8 months, there was an improvement in the most restrictive reported complaint (both p < 0.0005), difficulty waking up (p < 0.01; p < 0.0005), handling behavior (p < 0.03; p < 0.02), presence of irritability (p < 0.01), and sleepiness (p < 0.05). The expectation that CPAP would not be tolerated was the main reason for not starting. CPAP use in the first 2 weeks predicted adherence at 8-10 weeks and 8 months (r = 0.51, p < 0.01; r = 0.69, p < 0.01). Of 13 patients who terminated CPAP, the reasons for termination included behavioral problems, comorbid insomnia, anxiety, discomfort, or other side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

With adequate guidance, CPAP is both feasible and effective in people with ID and OSA.

A contemporary review of obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a contemporary review of sleep apnea with emphasis on definitions, epidemiology, and consequences.

RECENT FINDINGS

Amyloid β-42 is one of the main peptides forming amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration have been associated with a higher amyloid burden. Decreased sleep time in the elderly is a precipitating factor in amyloid retention. Studies have shown that the dysregulation of the homeostatic balance of the major inhibitory and excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter systems of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate play a role in sleep disordered breathing (SDB).

SUMMARY

Untreated sleep disordered breathing (obstructive sleep apnea and/or central sleep apnea) are an important cause of medical mortality and morbidity. OSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep followed by hypoxia and sympathetic activation. Apneic events are terminated by arousal, followed by increases in pulse and blood pressure, and re-oxygenation and the release of inflammatory factors. Individuals with OSA have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Hypoxemia and poor sleep quality because of OSA increase the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly.

Beyond the growth delay in children with sleep-related breathing disorders: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The availability of high-quality studies on the association between sleep-disordered breathing in children and delayed growth associated with the hormonal profile recorded before surgery and at follow-up is limited.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline PubMed, Scopus and WebOfScience databases were searched for relevant publications published between January 2008 to January 2020 and a total of 261 potentially eligible studies were identified.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Following review 19 papers were eligible for inclusion: seven reported a significant postsurgical increase in growth regardless of initial weight status, type of surgery, type of study design, and length of follow-up period. The only high-quality study was a randomized controlled trial that found an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome relapse in overweight children. Twelve studies reported the significant increase in growth parameters showing that IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and ghrelin may boost growth after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The current systematic review demonstrates a scarcity of high-quality studies on growth delay in children with sleep-disordered breathing. Significant catch-up growth after surgery in the short term and changes in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, ghrelin, and leptin levels has been reported in most published studies.

Clinical orofacial and myofunctional manifestations in an adolescent with Noonan Syndrome: a case report

ABSTRACT Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with different manifestations, including Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences ones. The authors describe the orofacial and myofunctional manifestations of an adolescent diagnosed with Noonan syndrome, by consulting the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences record of a 17-year-old male patient, who underwent screening and speech therapy evaluation with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of Noonan syndrome. The results were qualitatively analyzed. The patient had a long facial type, with a disproportion between the lower and middle thirds of the face, ogival palate, and Mallampati class IV. A deficit in mobility and sensitivity of phonoarticulatory organs was also identified, absence of pathological oral and gag reflexes, decreased lip tone and tongue tension, increased speed chewing and inefficient grinding, functional swallowing for assessed consistencies, mild verbal and nonverbal apraxia, and moderate dysarthria. The results confirmed the presence of alterations in the speech-language organs, proving the relevance of the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences evaluation in Noonan Syndrome, to allow adequate follow-up and treatment.

Sleep-disordered breathing and comorbidities: role of the upper airway and craniofacial skeleton

Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which includes primary snoring through to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), may cause compromise of respiratory gas exchange during sleep, related to transient upper airway narrowing disrupting ventilation, and causing oxyhemoglobin desaturation and poor sleep quality. SDB is common in chronic disorders and has significant implications for health. With prevalence rates globally increasing, this condition is causing a substantial burden on health care costs. Certain populations, including people with sickle cell disease (SCD), exhibit a greater prevalence of OSAS. A review of the literature provides the available normal polysomnography and oximetry data for reference and documents the structural upper airway differences between those with and without OSAS, as well as between ethnicities and disease states. There may be differences in craniofacial development due to atypical growth trajectories or extramedullary hematopoiesis in anemias such as SCD. Studies involving MRI of the upper airway illustrated that OSAS populations tend to have a greater amount of lymphoid tissue, smaller airways, and smaller lower facial skeletons from measurements of the mandible and linear mental spine to clivus. Understanding the potential relationship between these anatomical landmarks and OSAS could help to stratify treatments, guiding choice towards those which most effectively resolve the obstruction. OSAS is relatively common in SCD populations, with hypoxia as a key manifestation, and sequelae including increased risk of stroke. Combatting any structural defects with appropriate interventions could reduce hypoxic exposure and consequently reduce the risk of comorbidities in those with SDB, warranting early treatment interventions.

[Progress of diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory obstruction in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome]

Objective

To summarize the progress of diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory obstruction in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS).

Methods

The domestic and abroad literature about the diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory obstruction in patients with TCS was extensively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

TCS is an autosomal-dominant craniofacial developmental syndrome. It is often accompanied by midface and/or mandibular hypoplasia, soft tissue hypertrophy, and other respiratory tissue developmental abnormalities, which can lead to different degrees of upper respiratory obstruction symptoms. Respiratory obstruction in patients with TCS is affected by many factors, and the obstructive degree are different. Early detection of the causes and obstructive sites and adopted targeted treatments can relieve the symptoms of respiratory obstruction and avoid severe complications.

Conclusion

Due to the low incidence of TCS, there is still a lack of high-quality research evidence to guide clinical treatment. Large-scale and prospective clinical studies are needed to provide new ideas for the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory obstruction.

Popularity of sleep disordered breathing in childhood: an analysis of worldwide search using Google Trends

BACKGROUND

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a general term encompassing a variety of breathing problems occurring during the sleep and characterized by frequently reported signs such as sleep apneas and snoring. Published studies on this topic are increasing over time, as demonstrated by the number of papers available on on-line databases.

METHODS

Google Trends is a freely accessible and reliable online portal, which allows to explore internet search data. Due to the focus on of childhood SDB in published research, and because of its impact on health and wellbeing, this original study aims at investigating the worldwide popularity of most common sleep signs (apnea and snoring) from January 1st, 2004 to present time.

RESULTS

The trend of interest for 'sleep', 'sleep apneas' and 'snoring' limited to pediatric age was lower than its overall popularity in the general population, thus reflecting a lower interest of these symptoms in children than in adults. Unlike an increasing trend of ongoing research, the popularity of pediatric sleep apnea and snoring was found to be relatively low around the world, and remained fairly stable over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a matter for concern, since the low popularity of SDB in children is counterbalanced by a need for reinforcing educational programs aimed at increasing widespread awareness, diagnosis and management of this condition.

Cerebral Oxygenation During Respiratory Events in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Associated Disorders

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate changes in cerebral oxygenation by means of near-infrared spectroscopy during respiratory events in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and associated disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-five children suspected of having SDB underwent a respiratory polygraphy with simultaneous recording of cerebral oxygenation indices. Respiratory events were analyzed by type of event, duration, variations of pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation [SpO₂]), cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI), and heart rate. Data were categorized according to the severity of SDB and age.

RESULTS

There were 540 obstructive and mixed apneas, 172 central apneas, and 393 obstructive hypopneas analyzed. The mean decreases in SpO₂ and TOI were 4.1 ± 3.1% and 3.4 ± 2.8%, respectively. The mean TOI decrease was significantly smaller for obstructive hypopnea compared with apneas. The TOI decrease was significantly less in children with mild SDB as compared with those with moderate-to-severe SDB and in children >7 years as compared with those <7 years old. TOI decreases correlated significantly with SpO₂ decreases, duration of event, and age, regardless of the type of event. In a multivariable regression model, predictive factors of TOI decreases were the type of respiratory event, SpO₂ decrease, apnea-hypopnea index, and age.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with SDB and associated disorders, cerebral oxygenation variations depend on the type of respiratory event, severity of SDB, and age.

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children: State of the Art

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) represents only part of a large group of pathologies of variable entity called respiratory sleep disorders (RSD) which include simple snoring and increased upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Although the etiopathogenesis of adult OSAS is well known, many aspects of this syndrome in children are still debated. Its prevalence is about 2% in children from 2 to 8 years of age, mostly related to the size of the upper airways adenoid tissue. Several risk factors linked to the development of OSAS are typical of the pediatric age. The object of this paper is to analyze the state of the art on this specific topic, discussing its implications in terms of diagnosis and management.