Symptoms of sleep disordered breathing in children with craniofacial malformations

Optimal Diagnostic and Treatment Practices for Facial Dysostosis Syndromes: A Clinical Consensus Statement Among European Experts

Facial dysostosis syndromes (FDS) are rare congenital conditions impacting facial development, often leading to diverse craniofacial abnormalities. This study addresses the scarcity of evidence on these syndromes about optimal diagnostic and treatment practices. To overcome this scarcity, European experts from ERN CRANIO collaborated to develop a clinical consensus statement through the Delphi consensus method. A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was conducted until February 2023. The quality of evidence was evaluated using various tools depending on the study design. Statements were subsequently formed based on literature and expert opinion, followed by a Delphi process with expert health care providers and patient representatives. In total, 92 experts from various specialties and three patient representatives were involved in the Delphi process. Over 3 voting rounds, consensus was achieved on 92 (46.9%), 58 (59.2%), and 19 (70.4%) statements, respectively. These statements cover the topics of general care; craniofacial reconstruction; the eyes and lacrimal system; upper airway management; genetics; hearing; speech; growth, feeding, and swallowing; dental treatment and orthodontics; extracranial anomalies; and psychology and cognition. The current clinical consensus statement provides valuable insights into optimal diagnostic and treatment practices and identifies key research opportunities for FDS. This consensus statement represents a significant advancement in FDS care, underlining the commitment of health care professionals to improve the understanding and management of these rare syndromes in Europe.

Updated clinical practice recommendations for managing children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

This review aimed to update the clinical practice guidelines for managing children and adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). The 22q11.2 Society, the international scientific organization studying chromosome 22q11.2 differences and related conditions, recruited expert clinicians worldwide to revise the original 2011 pediatric clinical practice guidelines in a stepwise process: (1) a systematic literature search (1992-2021), (2) study selection and data extraction by clinical experts from 9 different countries, covering 24 subspecialties, and (3) creation of a draft consensus document based on the literature and expert opinion, which was further shaped by survey results from family support organizations regarding perceived needs. Of 2441 22q11.2DS-relevant publications initially identified, 2344 received full-text reviews, including 1545 meeting criteria for potential relevance to clinical care of children and adolescents. Informed by the available literature, recommendations were formulated. Given evidence base limitations, multidisciplinary recommendations represent consensus statements of good practice for this evolving field. These recommendations provide contemporary guidance for evaluation, surveillance, and management of the many 22q11.2DS-associated physical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric morbidities while addressing important genetic counseling and psychosocial issues.

Effect of Sleep Position on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Young Children With Unrepaired Incomplete Cleft Palates

Children with cleft lip/palate are usually faced with upper airway problems after surgical repair. The severity of upper airway obstruction is more likely associated with the age and preoperative diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to investigate the severity of OSA in toddlers before palatoplasty from the perspective of polysomnography. In this retrospective cohort study, 97 children with unrepaired cleft palate and habitual prone sleeping were identified with a mean age of 1.6 years (SD 0.6) and divided into 2 age groups (1.5 year or younger and older than 1.5 year). Detailed information was collected including demographics, sleep parameters, and respiratory disturbances. Polysomnography results showed these children were at high risks of OSA with averagely moderate severity at night during their early childhood [apnea-hypopnea index 7.2±3.2 events/hour; obstructive apnea index (OAI) 6.5±2.8 events/hour]. Positional OAI was greatly lower in prone than that in laterals or in supine. Far more sleep time was spent in prone than in supine (42.9%±42.2% versus 8.5%±15.7%), which were consistent with parental reporting of prone sleeping habits. There were no significant differences found between the 2 age groups in respiratory disturbances such as apnea-hypopnea index, OAI, mean oxygen saturation, and nadir oxygen saturation ( P =0.097-0.988). Thus, prone sleeping with a history of snoring might be indicators for early screening for OSA in the cleft population. Adequate attention should be paid to their upper airway and, if available, overnight polysomnography should be performed to ascertain their potential respiratory problems before repair surgery.

Respiratory sleep disorders, nasal obstruction and enuresis in children with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent in non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence patients. Studies have found a probable relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and nasal obstruction and between obstructive sleep apnea and enuresis. Assessment of the relationship between these variables in non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence patients is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, nasal obstruction and enuresis, determining the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of these conditions, in schoolchildren with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence, and describe the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness habitual snoring and voiding dysfunction symptoms associated with enuresis.

METHODS

This was a prospective analytical cross-sectional study developed at a reference center. Anthropometric measurements and a structured clinical interview were carried out in a sample of 48 patients. The instruments "sleep disorders scale in children" "nasal congestion index questionnaire" (CQ-5), and the "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire" were used. Statistical analysis was performed for p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Positive "sleep disorders scale in children" scores for obstructive sleep apnea and CQ-5 for nasal obstruction were observed in 38.78% and 16.33%, respectively. Enuresis was reported in 16.33% of children, being characterized as primary in 71.43% and polysymptomatic in 55.55%; according to the "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire". There was a significant relationship between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (p < 0.05), but no significance was found between obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and enuresis, and between nasal obstruction and enuresis. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was 12.24% and of habitual snoring, 48.98%. A family history of enuresis, younger age in years and a positive "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire" score were associated with a higher prevalence of enuresis (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and habitual snoring, with a correlation being observed between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. In addition, the study showed that non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence, obstructive sleep apnea and nasal obstruction symptoms were not risk factors for enuresis in these patients.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-Dental professionals can play a crucial role

The significant contribution of dental professionals to the management of selected adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cases is understood. Among children, it has also been suggested that dental professionals may also help screen and manage this morbidity in selected cases. It has also been noted that our understanding of pediatric OSA lags significantly behind adult OSA. During the screening process for potential pediatric OSA cases, dental professionals may be quite helpful as specific craniofacial abnormalities have been previously associated with pediatric OSA, including Class II malocclusion, vertical facial growth and maxillary transversal deficiency. As dental professionals assess children more frequently than physicians, they can help screen sleep-disordered breathing signs and symptoms using validated questionnaires. In more advanced cases, orthodontists may be leading contributors to the management of selected cases where a craniofacial involvement is suspected. Rapid maxillary expansion and mandibular or maxillary anterior repositioning devices have been proposed as managing alternatives. So far, there is no substantial evidence if these approaches can be adopted to treat OSA fully or if the reported OSA signs and symptoms improvements observed in a selected group of patients are stable long-term. Nevertheless, dentists and orthodontists' integration into a transdisciplinary team should be encouraged to play a significant role. This review discusses dentists or orthodontists' potential contribution to screen and manage selective pediatric OSA patients as part of a transdisciplinary team.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Focus on Pathophysiology

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by recurring episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep and the fundamental abnormality reflects the inability of the upper airway dilating muscles to withstand the negative forces generated within the upper airway during inspiration. Factors that result in narrowing of the oropharynx such as abnormal craniofacial anatomy, soft tissue accumulation in the neck, and rostral fluid shift in the recumbent position increase the collapsing forces within the airway. The counteracting forces of upper airway dilating muscles, especially the genioglossus, are negatively influenced by sleep onset, inadequacy of the genioglossus responsiveness, ventilatory instability, especially post arousal, and loop gain. Recent reports indicate that multiple endotypes reflecting OSA pathophysiology are present in individual patients. A detailed understanding of the complex pathophysiology of OSA encourages the development of therapies targeted at these pathophysiological endotypes and facilitates a move towards precision medicine as a potential alternative to continuous positive airway pressure therapy in selected patients.

Impact of sleep-disordered breathing on behavior and quality of life in children aged 2 to 7 years with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate

INTRODUCTION

Children with cleft are at high risk for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, little is known about the impact of SDB in this pediatric population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SDB play a role in behavior and quality of life (QoL) in young children with cleft.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 95 children aged 2.0-7.9 years with cleft palate. Parents completed a sleep (Pediatric Sleep questionnaire), a behavior (Conners' Early Childhood scale), and a generic health-related QoL (KINDL questionnaire) assessment. Symptomatic children were referred for a polysomnography (PSG).

RESULTS

Overall, 14.7% of children (49.5% boys) screened positive for SDB and 27.4% had a PSG, which identified 84.6% with sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥1) and 27.2% with AHI ≥5. Positive screening for SDB was associated with elevated T-scores for anxiety and physical symptoms, significant differences in mean T-scores for inattention/hyperactivity (64.2 ± 15.7 vs. 53.9 ± 11.4, p = .02), social functioning/atypical behaviour, social functioning (60.6 ± 11.7 vs. 51.9 ± 7.3, p = .004 and 59.5 ± 10.9 vs. 51.2 ± 8.0, p = .01) and mood (57.5 ± 8.2 vs. 50.7 ± 8.2, p = .03). Lower QoL scores for emotional and family well-being were also reported in children with SDB (80.7 ± 13.4 vs. 90.0 ± 8.7, p = .01, 66.7 ± 15.8 vs. 76.9 ± 11.9, p = .04). Children with AHI ≥5 compared to those with AHI ≥1 and <5 showed significant differences in mean T-score for aggressive behaviour (65.2 ± 12.1 vs. 52.3 ± 11.3, p = .04), defiant temper (62.8 ± 9.2 vs. 51.6 ± 10.2, p = .03) and lower family QoL scores (59.4 ± 15.2 vs. 77.1 ± 9.6, p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with cleft palate the presence of SDB symptoms and moderate/severe sleep apnea was associated with behavioral (internalizing/externalizing) problems and lower family well-being.

Sleep in children with microcephaly due to Zika virus infection: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on sleep changes and brain function in children with microcephaly due to Zika virus.

METHOD

Systematic review conducted in the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, and SciELO and the grey databases Google Scholar and OpenGrey.

RESULTS

Ten Brazilian primary studies with observational research design were included. These were published between 2017 and 2020 with 516 children with microcephaly due to Zika virus infection aged 4 months to 4 years. Out of these, 4 investigated qualitative aspects of sleep using the questionnaires Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire or Infant Sleep Questionnaire and 6 investigated changes in brain activities during sleep using the Electroencephalogram or Video-Electroencephalogram exams. The children's quality of sleep was not compromised in most studies. Changes in brain activity during sleep were frequent, with epileptogenic activity being a common finding among the studies.

CONCLUSION

The quality of sleep of children with microcephaly due to Zika virus has shown to be similar to that of children with typical development and the presented behavioral changes may be related to changes in electric brain activity.

Association between habitual snoring, middle ear disease, and speech problems in young children with non-syndromic cleft palate anomalies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between habitual snoring (HS), middle ear disease (MED), and speech problems in children with cleft palate. This cross-sectional study included children aged 2.0-7.9 years with non-syndromic cleft palate anomalies. Parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and a questionnaire about MED. Audiograms and speech assessment were also conducted. Ninety-five children were enrolled; 15.2% of families reported HS, 97.6% MED, and 17.1% speech problems. HS (37.5% vs 10.3%, P = 0.007) and early episodes of MED (92.3% vs 58.2%, P = 0.021) were more likely to be reported for children with isolated cleft palate when compared to those with cleft lip and palate. Children with cleft lip and palate had a higher frequency of MED with effusion compared to those with Robin sequence (86.4% vs 57.1%, P = 0.049). The odds ratio for HS in children with ≥1 episode of MED in the last year was 7.37 (95% confidence interval 1.55-35.15, P = 0.012). There was a trend for children with speech problems reported by parents to have HS (30.8% vs 11.5%, P= 0.076). Anatomical factors play a role in the frequency of upper airway symptoms in children with cleft palate. A recent history of at least one episode of MED was associated with an increased frequency of HS.

Defining Risk of Postoperative Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With 22q11.2DS Undergoing Pharyngeal Flap Surgery for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Using Polysomnographic Evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To determine pre- and postoperative prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) undergoing wide posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF) surgery for velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

DESIGN

Retrospective study using pre- and postoperative polysomnography (PSG) to determine prevalence of OSA. Medical records were reviewed for patients' medical comorbidities. Parents were surveyed about snoring.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care pediatric hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty patients with laboratory confirmed 22q11.2DS followed over a 6-year period.

INTERVENTIONS

Pre- and postoperative PSG, speech evaluation, and parent surveys.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Severity and prevalence of OSA, defined by obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI), before and after PPF surgery to determine whether PPF is associated with increased risk of OSA.

RESULTS

Mean OAHI did not change significantly after PPF surgery (1.1/h vs 2.1/h, P = .330). Prevalence of clinically significant OSA (OAHI ≥ 5) was identical pre- and postoperatively (2 of 40), with both cases having severe-range OSA requiring positive airway pressure therapy. All other patients had mild-range OSA. Nasal resonance was graded as severe preoperatively in 85% of patients. None were graded as severe postoperatively. No single patient factor or parent-reported concern predicted risk of OSA (OAHI ≥ 1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with 22q11.2DS are medically complex and are at increased risk of OSA at baseline. Wide PPF surgery for severe VPD does not significantly increase risk of OSA. Careful perioperative planning is essential to optimize both speech and sleep outcomes.

Outcomes of Sphincter Pharyngoplasty in the Cleft Population

INTRODUCTION

Sphincter pharyngoplasty (SP) is becoming increasingly popular for correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after cleft palate repair because of high success rate, low incidence of postoperative obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and ease of revision in case of failure. This study is a meta-analysis of SP outcomes, reasons for failure, and revision strategies.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on SP outcomes was conducted. Sphincter pharyngoplasty failure was defined as persistent hypernasality, incomplete velopharyngeal port (VP) closure on instrumental evaluation with concomitant VPI, or nonresolving hyponasality and/or OSA persisting >3 months after surgery. Two-tailed paired Student t test was used to compare outcomes between syndromic versus nonsyndromic patients and preoperative versus postoperative OSA rates.

RESULTS

Forty-four publications evaluating 2402 patients were included. Overall SP success rate was 78.4% (77.3% in nonsyndromic vs 84.8% in syndromic patients, P = 0.11). Overall primary revision rate was 17.8% (20% in nonsyndromic vs 15.4% in syndromic patients P = 0.97). Most failures (89.5%) manifested as persistent VPI with continued hypernasality requiring revision, whereas 10.5% of failures manifested as obstructive symptoms and/or severe hyponasality requiring revision. Causal factors of SP failure were the following: large central port (62.8%), dehiscence (15.5%), tight port (12.1%), and low-inset (9.7%). Primary revision success rate was 75.6%. Obstructive sleep apnea rates increased from 5.1% to 18.4% (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that SP can resolve VPI in 78.4% of patients, which can be increased to 94.7% after one revision. Most failures are technique-dependent; therefore, there could be significant ground for improvement of outcomes.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Nasal Obstruction, and Enuresis in Children With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: A Prevalence Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nasal obstruction, and enuresis in children with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Referral care center.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred seventy-four children aged 6 to 12 years of both genders.

INTERVENTIONS

Symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction were investigated by analysis of scores obtained by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Congestion Quantifier (CQ-5). Enuresis was considered as present when urinary loss was reported during sleep (at least 1 episode/month, last 3 months). To characterize the enuresis as mono- or polysymptomatic, symptoms of dysfunction of the lower urinary tract (DLUT) were investigated by the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS). Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

Positive SDSC scores for OSA were observed in 60 (34%) children; positive CQ-5 scores for nasal obstruction in 45 (26%), positive DVSS scores for DLUT in 30 (17%), and enuresis was reported by 29 (17%), being categorized as primary in 66% and polysymptomatic in 72% of the children. Compared to the pediatric population, OSA, nasal obstruction, and enuresis prevalence ratios were up to 7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5-9), 2 (95% CI 2-3), and 3 times (95% CI 2-5) higher, respectively. There was a positive/moderate correlation between symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction ( P = .0001). No correlation was seen between symptoms of OSA and enuresis.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate have high prevalence of nasal obstruction and enuresis and are at risk of OSA.

Parental Experience of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Infants With Cleft Palate: Comparing Parental and Clinical Priorities

OBJECTIVE

To identify outcomes relating to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) that are relevant to parents, during the early weeks of caring for infants with cleft palate (CP), and compare these with clinical outcomes identified in a systematic search of research literature.

DESIGN

A qualitative study using telephone/face-to-face interviews with parents explored their understanding of breathing and respiratory effort in infants with CP.

SETTING

Care provided by 3 specialist cleft centers in the United Kingdom, with study conducted in parents' homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Criteria for participation were parents of infants with isolated CP aged 12 to 16 weeks. Thirty-one parents of infants with CP (over 12 weeks) were invited to participate in the interview. Interviews were completed with 27 parents; 4 parents could not be contacted after completing the sleep monitoring.

RESULTS

Parents' description of infants' sleep suggests that breathing is not considered as a separate priority from their principal concerns of feeding and sleeping. They observe indicators of infants' breathing, but these are not perceived as signs of SDB. Parents' decision to use lateral or supine sleep positioning reflects their response to advice from specialists, observation of their infants' comfort, ease of breathing, and personal experience. Outcomes, identified in published research of SDB, coincide with parents' concerns but are expressed in medical language and fit into distinct domains of "snoring," "sleep," "gas exchange," and "apnea."

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' description of sleeping and respiration in infants with CP reflect their everyday experience, offering insight into their understanding, priorities, and language used to describe respiration. Understanding parents' individual priorities and how these are expressed could be fundamental to selecting meaningful outcomes for future studies of airway interventions.

Establishing a Role for Polysomnography in Hospitalized Children

BACKGROUND

Children with medical complexity have a high prevalence of sleep disorders. However, outpatient polysomnography to evaluate for these conditions may be difficult to perform because of lack of skilled nursing care. The aim of this study was to explore polysomnography indications in hospitalized children and assess its impact on patient care.

METHODS

Data from 85 inpatient polysomnographies of 70 children hospitalized between March and December 2014 were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of patients were boys with ages 6.5 ± 6 years. Chronic respiratory failure was present in 33.8%, airway obstruction due to defects of the tracheobronchial tree or craniofacial abnormalities in 54.3%, neurological complications of the perinatal period in 22.9%, genetic syndromes and neurodegenerative disorders in 31.4%, congenital myopathies in 5.7%, metabolic diseases in 4.3% and congenital cyanotic heart defects in 4.3%. Indications for polysomnography included assessment of chronic pulmonary disease (60%), ventilator requirements (41.2%), apnea/desaturation (23.5%), and acute life-threatening events (1.2%). Abnormal results were found in 89.4%. The observed diagnosis was obstructive sleep apnea in 64.7%, signs of chronic lung disease in 34.1%, hypoventilation in 9.4%, periodic breathing in 3.5%, and periodic limb movement of sleep in 4.7%. The following interventions were performed: adjustment of ventilator parameters (45.8%), positive airway pressure initiation (24.7%), otorhinolaryngology referral (30.6%), supraglottoplasty (2.4%), tracheostomy decannulation (2.4%), and tracheostomy placement (3.5%). Nine patients had available follow-up polysomnograms, all showing improvement in sleep variables after adherence to recommended interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with complex medical disorders, inpatient polysomnographies give invaluable information to guide immediate medical decision making and should be strongly considered if resources allow this.

Obstructive sleep apnea pretreatment and posttreatment in symptomatic children with congenital craniofacial malformations

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep symptoms are common in children with craniofacial malformations (CFM). However objective data about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is still limited. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of OSA in symptomatic children with CFM and to determine improvement in severity of OSA after treatment.

METHODS

Symptomatic children with CFM referred for a diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) were identified. Obstructive sleep apnea was defined as an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 1, with moderate/severe OSA as an AHI ≥ 5.

RESULTS

Overall, 151 symptomatic children were identified; 87% were diagnosed with OSA, of whom 24% had moderate-to-severe OSA. Children with syndromic CFM, compared to non-syndromic CFM, were more likely to have an AHI ≥ 5 (syndromic 33% vs. non-syndromic 15%, p = 0.02). Of the 131 children with OSA, 64 were treated and 32 returned for a posttreatment PSG, with 22 treated with either positive airway pressure (PAP) or adenotonsillectomy (AT). Children treated with PAP demonstrated a decrease in AHI from 6.2 to 3.5 (p = 0.057) and an increase in SpO2 from 89.1% to 91.1% (p = 0.091). There were no significant improvements for those in the AT group for either AHI (2.5 to 1.8, p = 0.19) or SpO2 (90.4% to 91.3%, p = 0.46). Normalization of the AHI (AHI < 1) occurred in only one child in each group (7% and 14% of the PAP and AT groups, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of children with CFM referred for OSA evaluation are found to have objective evidence of OSA and a quarter of children have moderate-to-severe OSA. It is likely that many children with underlying OSA are not identified and referred for evaluation. Residual OSA after treatment is common in children with CFM.