Evidence for persistence of upper airway narrowing during sleep, 12 years after adenotonsillectomy

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on clinical outcomes of hospitalization due to influenza in children: A propensity score-matched analysis of the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005-2018

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have explored the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and clinical outcomes of influenza in adults, whereas limited research examined this relationship in pediatric populations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of OSA on the outcomes of pediatric influenza hospitalizations.

METHODS

This was a population-based, retrospective study. Data of children aged 1-19 years hospitalized for influenza infection were extracted from the United States (US) Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database 2005-2018. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses determined associations between OSA, length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs, pneumonia, and life-threatening events.

RESULTS

After propensity-score matching, a total of 2100 children were analyzed. The logistic analysis revealed that children with OSA had a significantly increased LOS (β = 2.29 days; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01-3.57, p < .001) and total hospital costs (β = 26.06 thousand dollars; 95% CI: 6.62-45.51, p = .009), and higher odds of pneumonia (aged 6-10 years: odds ratio [OR] = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01-2.27, p = .043; aged ≥ 11 years: OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.33-2.53, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

During influenza admissions, children with OSA had longer LOS, higher hospital costs, and an increased risk of pneumonia compared to those without OSA. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and managing OSA in influenza-related infections among children.

Differences of Craniofacial Characteristics in Oral Breathing and Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

Oral breathing (OB) was considered associated with specific craniofacial structures and same for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to investigate the differences of craniofacial structures between OB and OSA.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 317 children under age 18 years were recruited and divided into OB group, OSA group, and control group. OSA group (15 boys, 4 girls) were referred from qualified sleep center and diagnosed as pediatric OSA with full-night polysomnography. OB group (10 boys, 10 girls) were mostly referral from pediatric or ENT department, some of whom undertook polysomnography and were not OSA. Control group consisted of orthodontic patients within the same period. Lateral cephalograms were obtained in all groups and their parameters were compared with Chinese normal values and each other.

RESULTS

R-PNS of OB group (18.04 ± 2.49 mm) was greater than OSA group (14.27 ± 4.36 mm) and even control group (16.22 ± 3.91 mm) (P < 0.01). U1-NA was also the greatest in OB group (7.15 ± 2.92 mm), followed by OSA group (4.88 ± 2.66 mm), while control group was the smallest (5.71 ± 2.94 mm) (P < 0.05). In addition, OB group presented the smallest adenoids and tonsils among three groups. Bony nasopharynx development, mandibular length and growth direction of mandible of OB group were all better than OSA group.

CONCLUSION

Despite of oral breathing, anatomical morphology (well-developed dentoalveolar structures; mild adenotonsillar hypertrophy) might protect children from developing OSA.

The Long-Term Effect of Medically Enhancing Melanin Intrinsic Bioenergetics Capacity in Prematurity

Background

The ability of the human body to produce metabolic energy from light modifies fundamental concepts of biochemistry.

Objective

This review discusses the relationships between the long-accepted concept is that glucose has a unique dual role as an energy source and as the main source of carbon chains that are precursors of all organic matter. The capability of melanin to produce energy challenges this premise.

Methods

The prevalent biochemical concept, therefore, needs to be adjusted to incorporate a newly discovered state of Nature based on melanin's ability to dissociate water to produce energy and to re-form water from molecular hydrogen and oxygen.

Results and Discussion

Our findings regarding the potential implication of QIAPI-1 as a melanin precursor that has bioenergetics capabilities.

Conclusion

Specifically, we reported its promising application as a means for treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The instant report focuses on the long-term treatment medical effects of melanin in treating ROP.

Combined Surgical and Orthodontic Treatments in Children with OSA: A Systematic Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleeping breathing disorder. In children, adenotonsillar hypertrophy remains the main anatomical risk factor of OSA. The aim of this study was to assess the current scientific data and to systematically summarize the evidence for the efficiency of adenotonsillectomy (AT) and orthodontic treatment (i.e., rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and mandibular advancement (MA)) in the treatment of pediatric OSA. A literature search was conducted in several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane and LILACS up to 5th April 2020. The initial search yielded 509 articles, with 10 articles being identified as eligible after screening. AT and orthodontic treatment were more effective together than separately to cure OSA in pediatric patients. There was a greater decrease in apnea hypoapnea index (AHI) and respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and a major increase in the lowest oxygen saturation and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) after undergoing both treatments. Nevertheless, the reappearance of OSA could occur several years after reporting adequate treatment. In order to avoid recurrence, myofunctional therapy (MT) could be recommended as a follow-up. However, further studies with good clinical evidence are required to confirm this finding.

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in growing patients. A meta-analysis

Background

Changes produced in the upper airway after rapid maxillary expansion makes this procedure a therapeutic option for treating sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) in children. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the evidence available for the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on SAHS, analyzing changes produced in oximetric variables: apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); oxygen saturation (SO2); sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), percentage of rapid eye movement (REM) phase; and arousal index (AI).

Material and Methods

An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases, and in grey literature (Opengrey). No limit was placed on publication date or language. Inclusion criteria were: patients in growth with sleep apnea who underwent rapid maxillary expansion with oximetric values registered before and after treatment. Articles with patient sample sizes <10 were excluded. Ten articles were included for qualitative synthesis and nine for meta-analysis (eliminating one observational study).

Results

AHI values underwent a mean reduction of 5.79 events/hour (CI -95% 9.06 to 2.5); an increase in mean oxygen saturation of 2.54 % (CI-95% -0.28 to 4.80, 6.7 %); a reduction in AI of 2.17 events/hour (CI-95% -5.25 to -0.582); an increase in REM phase of 1.20 % (CI-95% 1.02 to 1.38); and an increase in SE of 0.961% (CI-95% -1.574 to 3.495).

Conclusions

RME would appear efficient for treating slight or moderate SAHS, as indicated by improvement in oximetric parameters; it may be effective as coadjuvant therapy to adenotonsillectomy in severe cases of children with maxillary compression.

Key words:Rapid maxillary expansion, obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Orofacial Growth, and Prevention of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abnormal breathing during sleep is related to intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are present early in life. Investigation of fetal development and early-in-life orofacial growth allows recognition of risk factors that lead to change in upper airway patency, which leads to abnormal upper airway resistance, abnormal inspiratory efforts, and further increase in resistance and progressive narrowing of the collapsible upper airway. Such evolution can be recognized by appropriate clinical evaluation, specific polysomnographic patterns, and orofacial imaging. Recognition of the problems should lead to appropriate treatments and prevention of obstructive sleep apnea and its comorbidities.

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Consensus, Controversy, and Craniofacial Considerations

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, is associated with multiple adverse neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic consequences. It is common in healthy children and occurs with a higher incidence among infants and children with craniofacial anomalies. Although soft-tissue hypertrophy is the most common cause, interplay between soft tissue and bone structure in children with craniofacial differences may also contribute to upper airway obstruction. Snoring and work of breathing are poor predictors of obstructive sleep apnea, and the gold standard for diagnosis is overnight polysomnography. Most healthy children respond favorably to adenotonsillectomy as first-line treatment, but 20 percent of children have obstructive sleep apnea refractory to adenotonsillectomy and may benefit from positive airway pressure, medical therapy, orthodontics, craniofacial surgery, or combined interventions. For children with impairment of facial skeletal growth or craniofacial anomalies, rapid maxillary expansion, midface distraction, and mandibular distraction have all been demonstrated to have therapeutic value and may significantly improve a child's respiratory status. This Special Topic article reviews current theories regarding the underlying pathophysiology of pediatric sleep apnea, summarizes standards for diagnosis and management, and discusses treatments in need of further investigation, including orthodontic and craniofacial interventions. To provide an overview of the spectrum of disease and treatment options available, a deliberately broad approach is taken that incorporates data for both healthy children and children with craniofacial anomalies.

The Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Symptom Improvement in Pediatric Patients After Adenotonsillectomy

OBJECTIVES

It is well known that allergic rhinitis (AR) has positive association with adenotonsillectomy. However, the impact of AR on symptom improvement after adenotonsillectomy is not well documented. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effect of AR on the symptom improvement after adenotonsillectomy between AR and nonallergic patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 250 pediatric patients younger than 10 years old who received adenotonsillectomy from June 2009 to June 2014 in a tertiary referral hospital. All patients underwent skin prick test or multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) before surgery and classified into AR group and control group. Obstructive and rhinitis symptoms including snoring, mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing were evaluated before and 1 year after surgery using questionnaire and telephone survey.

RESULTS

AR group was 131 and control group was 119, showing higher prevalence (52.4%) of AR among adenotonsillectomized patients. Both groups showed dramatic improvement of symptoms such as snoring and mouth breathing after surgery (all P<0.05). However, AR group showed significantly less improvement than control group in snoring, mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative mouth breathing and snoring were dependent on tonsil grade and postoperative symptoms were mainly dependent on presence of AR. Nasal obstruction was dependent on tonsil grade and presence of AR preoperatively and presence of AR postoperatively. These suggest the importance of AR as a risk factor for mouth breathing, snoring, and nasal obstruction.

CONCLUSION

AR has positive association with adenotonsillectomy and not only allergic symptoms but also obstructive symptoms such as snoring and mouth breathing improved less in AR group than control group. Hence, patients with AR should be monitored for long-term basis and more carefully after adenotonsillectomy.

[Historical review on obstructive sleep apnea in children]

An historical review on the discoveries on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing is outlined. Starting with the description by Dickens of "Joe" the obese, snoring and sleepy individual, the authors trace more than 50 years of questions and research starting with the lean adult to the child and from the recognition of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome to the outline of upper-airway resistance syndrome. The pathophysiological knowledge on sleep-disordered breathing has evolved over time, as have treatment approaches in children, from tracheostomy to positive-airway-pressure therapy, to adenotonsillectomy with and without orthodontic treatments to oral-facial myofunctional therapy. Co-morbidities of sleep-disordered breathing are multiple, involving cognition, behavioral, and mood disorders, cardiovascular impairment, etc. There have been many advances in a short time due to the investigation of OSAS, but many questions still need responses.

Adenotonsillectomy and obstructive sleep apnea in children: A prospective survey

Objective

Prospective survey of children up to 14 years of age with OSA submitted to adenotonsillectomy.

Methods

Clinical evaluation, with questionnaires and clinical scales evaluating facial structures including tonsils and Mallampati scales and otolaryngologic evaluation; nocturnal polysomnography and repeat evaluation three to five months postsurgery.

Results

Of 207 successively seen children, 199 had follow-up polysomnography, and 94 had still abnormal sleep recording. Multivariate analysis indicates that Mallampati scale score 3 and 4, retro-position of mandible, enlargement of nasal inferior turbinates at +3 (subjective scale 1 to 3), and deviated septum were significantly associated with persistence of abnormal polysomnography (with high 95% CI for Mallampati scale and deviated septum).

Conclusion

Mallampati scale scores are resultant of several facial factors involving maxilla, mandible, and oral versus oral breathing but add information on risk of partial response to adenotonsillectomy.

Significance

Adenotonsillectomy may not resolve obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Mouth breathing, "nasal disuse," and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing

BACKGROUND

Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) may not completely eliminate sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and residual SDB can result in progressive worsening of abnormal breathing during sleep. Persistence of mouth breathing post-T&As plays a role in progressive worsening through an increase of upper airway resistance during sleep with secondary impact on orofacial growth.

METHODS

Retrospective study on non-overweight and non-syndromic prepubertal children with SDB treated by T&A with pre- and post-surgery clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) evaluations including systematic monitoring of mouth breathing (initial cohort). All children with mouth breathing were then referred for myofunctional treatment (MFT), with clinical follow-up 6 months later and PSG 1 year post-surgery. Only a limited subgroup followed the recommendations to undergo MFT with subsequent PSG (follow-up subgroup).

RESULTS

Sixty-four prepubertal children meeting inclusion criteria for the initial cohort were investigated. There was significant symptomatic improvement in all children post-T&A, but 26 children had residual SDB with an AHI > 1.5 events/hour and 35 children (including the previous 26) had evidence of "mouth breathing" during sleep as defined [minimum of 44 % and a maximum of 100 % of total sleep time, mean 69 ± 11 % "mouth breather" subgroup and mean 4 ± 3.9 %, range 0 and 10.3 % "non-mouth breathers"]. Eighteen children (follow-up cohort), all in the "mouth breathing" group, were investigated at 1 year follow-up with only nine having undergone 6 months of MFT. The non- MFT subjects were significantly worse than the MFT-treated cohort. MFT led to normalization of clinical and PSG findings.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of mouth breathing during sleep should be systematically performed post-T&A and the persistence of mouth breathing should be treated with MFT.

Rapid maxillary expansion outcomes in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to confirm the efficacy of rapid maxillary expansion in children with moderate adenotonsillar hypertrophy in a larger sample and to evaluate retrospectively its long-term benefits in a group of children who underwent orthodontic treatment 10 years ago.

METHODS

After general clinical examination and overnight polysomnography, all eligible children underwent cephalometric evaluation and started 12 months of therapy with rapid maxillary expansion. A new polysomnography was performed at the end of treatment (T1). Fourteen children underwent clinical evaluation and Brouilette questionnaire, 10 years after the end of treatment (T2).

RESULTS

Forty patients were eligible for recruitment. At T1, 34/40 (85%) patients showed a decrease of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 20% (ΔAHI 67.45% ± 25.73%) and were defined responders. Only 6/40 (15%) showed a decrease <20% of AHI at T1 and were defined as non-responders (ΔAHI -53.47% ± 61.57%). Moreover, 57.5% of patients presented residual OSA (AHI > 1 ev/h) after treatment. Disease duration was significantly lower (2.5 ± 1.4 years vs 4.8 ± 1.9 years, p <0.005) and age at disease onset was higher in responder patients compared to non-responders (3.8 ± 1.5 years vs 2.3 ± 1.9 years, p <0.05). Cephalometric variables showed an increase of cranial base angle in non-responder patients (p <0.05). Fourteen children (mean age 17.0 ± 1.9 years) who ended orthodontic treatment 10 years previously showed improvement of Brouilette score.

CONCLUSION

Starting an orthodontic treatment as early as symptoms appear is important in order to increase the efficacy of treatment. An integrated therapy is needed.

Orthodontics treatments for managing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A small maxilla and/or mandible may predispose children to sleep-disordered breathing, which is a continuum of severity from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. Preliminary studies have suggested that orthodontic treatments, such as orthopedic mandibular advancement or rapid maxillary expansion, may be effective treatments. The aim is to investigate the efficacy of orthopedic mandibular advancement and/or rapid maxillary expansion in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Pubmed, Medline, Embase, and Internet were searched for eligible studies published until April 2014. Articles with adequate data were selected for the meta-analysis; other articles were reported in the qualitative assessment. Data extraction was conducted by two independent authors. A total of 58 studies were identified. Only eight studies were included in the review; of these, six were included in the meta-analysis. The research yielded only a small number of studies. Consequently, any conclusions from the pooled diagnostic parameters and their interpretation should be treated carefully. Although the included studies were limited, these orthodontic treatments may be effective in managing pediatric snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Other related health outcomes, such as neurocognitive and cardiovascular functions have not yet been systematically addressed. More studies are needed with larger sample size, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and standardized data reporting to help establish guidelines for the orthodontic treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: New evidence on its development

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children could be resolved by adenotonsillectomy (T&A). However, incomplete results are often noted post-surgery. Because of this partial resolution, long-term follow-up is needed to monitor for reoccurrence of SDB, which may be diagnosed years later through reoccurrence of complaints or in some cases, through systematic investigations. Children undergoing T&A often have small upper airways. Genetics play a role in the fetal development of the skull, the skull base, and subsequently, the size of the upper airway. In non-syndromic children, specific genetic mutations are often unrecognized early in life and affect the craniofacial growth, altering functions such as suction, mastication, swallowing, and nasal breathing. These developmental and functional changes are associated with the development of SDB. Children without genetic mutations but with impairment of the above said functions also develop SDB. When applied early in life, techniques involved in the reeducation of these functions, such as myofunctional therapy, alter the craniofacial growth and the associated SDB. This occurs as a result of the continuous interaction between cartilages, bones and muscles involved in the growth of the base of the skull and the face. Recently collected data show the impact of the early changes in craniofacial growth patterns and how these changes lead to an impairment of the developmental functions and consequent persistence of SDB. The presence of nasal disuse and mouth breathing are abnormal functions that are easily amenable to treatment. Understanding the dynamics leading to the development of SDB and recognizing factors affecting the craniofacial growth and the resulting functional impairments, allows appropriate treatment planning which may or may not include T&A. Enlargement of lymphoid tissue may actually be a consequence as opposed to a cause of these initial dysfunctions.

Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children

BACKGROUND

Anterior open bite occurs when there is a lack of vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors. The aetiology is multifactorial including: oral habits, unfavourable growth patterns, enlarged lymphatic tissue with mouth breathing. Several treatments have been proposed to correct this malocclusion, but interventions are not supported by strong scientific evidence.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate orthodontic and orthopaedic treatments to correct anterior open bite in children.

SEARCH METHODS

The following databases were searched: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 14 February 2014); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)(The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 1); MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 14 February 2014); EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 14 February 2014); LILACS via BIREME Virtual Health Library (1982 to 14 February 2014); BBO via BIREME Virtual Health Library (1980 to 14 February 2014); and SciELO (1997 to 14 February 2014). We searched for ongoing trials via ClinicalTrials.gov (to 14 February 2014). Chinese journals were handsearched and the bibliographies of papers were retrieved.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of orthodontic or orthopaedic treatments or both to correct anterior open bite in children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of all reports identified. Risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous data. The continuous data were expressed as described by the author.

MAIN RESULTS

Three randomised controlled trials were included comparing: effects of Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training versus no treatment; repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks; and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup versus no treatment.The study comparing repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks could not be analysed because the authors interrupted the treatment earlier than planned due to side effects in four of ten patients.FR-4 associated with lip-seal training (RR = 0.02 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.38)) and removable palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup (RR = 0.23 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.48)) were able to correct anterior open bite.No study described: randomisation process, sample size calculation, there was not blinding in the cephalometric analysis and the two studies evaluated two interventions at the same time. These results should be therefore viewed with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is weak evidence that the interventions FR-4 with lip-seal training and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup are able to correct anterior open bite. Given that the trials included have potential bias, these results must be viewed with caution. Recommendations for clinical practice cannot be made based only on the results of these trials. More randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the interventions for treating anterior open bite.

Interactions between sleep disorders and oral diseases

Dental sleep medicine is a rapidly growing field that is in close and direct interaction with sleep medicine and comprises many aspects of human health. As a result, dentists who encounter sleep health and sleep disorders may work with clinicians from many other disciplines and specialties. The main sleep and oral health issues that are covered in this review are obstructive sleep apnea, chronic mouth breathing, sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux, and sleep bruxism. In addition, edentulism and its impact on sleep disorders are discussed. Improving sleep quality and sleep characteristics, oral health, and oral function involves both pathophysiology and disease management. The multiple interactions between oral health and sleep underscore the need for an interdisciplinary clinical team to manage oral health-related sleep disorders that are commonly seen in dental practice.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and the critical role of oral-facial growth: evidences

AIMS

Review of evidence in support of an oral-facial growth impairment in the development of pediatric sleep apnea in non-obese children.

METHOD

Review of experimental data from infant monkeys with experimentally induced nasal resistance. Review of early historical data in the orthodontic literature indicating the abnormal oral-facial development associated with mouth breathing and nasal resistance. Review of the progressive demonstration of sleep-disordered-breathing (SDB) in children who underwent incomplete treatment of OSA with adenotonsillectomy, and demonstration of abnormal oral-facial anatomy that must often be treated in order for the resolution of OSA. Review of data of long-term recurrence of OSA and indication of oral-facial myofunctional dysfunction in association with the recurrence of OSA.

RESULTS

Presentation of prospective data on premature infants and SDB-treated children, supporting the concept of oral-facial hypotonia. Presentation of evidence supporting hypotonia as a primary element in the development of oral-facial anatomic abnormalities leading to abnormal breathing during sleep. Continuous interaction between oral-facial muscle tone, maxillary-mandibular growth and development of SDB. Role of myofunctional reeducation with orthodontics and elimination of upper airway soft tissue in the treatment of non-obese SDB children.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric OSA in non-obese children is a disorder of oral-facial growth.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in children using respiratory polygraphy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children by respiratory polygraphy (RP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study was conducted on children referred with clinical suspicion of OSAHS. A clinical history was taken and a general physical and ENT examination was performed on all patients. RP was performed before adenotonsillectomy and six months afterwards. Patients with craniofacial syndromes, neuromuscular disorders, and severe concomitant disease were excluded.

RESULTS

We studied 150 children (67. 8% male), with a mean age of 3.74±1.80 years and a BMI of 41.70±31.75. A diagnosis of OSAHS was made if the total number of respiratory events, apneas and hypopneas, divided by the total study time (RDI) was > 4.6, using RP before undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 15.18±11.11, with 58.7% (88) of with severe OSAHS (RDI>10). There was a significant improvement in all clinical and polygraphic variables six months after adenotonsillectomy. The residual OSAHS was 14%. The preoperative RDI was significantly associated with persistent disease (P=.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory polygraphy is useful for monitoring the efficacy of surgical treatment by adenotonsillectomy in children with OSAHS.

Death, nasomaxillary complex, and sleep in young children

This is an investigation of anatomical and sleep history risk factors that were associated with abrupt sleep-associated death in seven children with good pre-mortem history. Seven young children with abrupt deaths and information on health status, sleep history, death scene report, and autopsy performed in a specialized unit dedicated to investigation of abrupt death in young children were investigated Seven age and gender matched living children with obstructive-sleep-apnea (OSA) were compared to the findings obtained from the dead children. Two deaths results from accidents determined by the death scene and five were unexplained at the death scene. History revealed presence of chronic indicators of abnormal sleep in all cases prior death and history of an acute, often mild, rhinitis just preceding death in several. Four children, including three infants, were usually sleeping in a prone position. Autopsy demonstrated variable enlargement of upper airway soft tissues in all cases, and in all cases, there were features consistent with a narrow, small nasomaxillary complex, with or without mandibular retroposition. All children were concluded to have died of hypoxia during sleep. Our OSA children presented similar complaints and similar facial features. Anatomic risk factors for a narrow upper airway can be determined early in life, and these traits are often familial. Their presence should lead to greater attention to sleep-related complaints that may be present very early in life and indicate impairment of well been and presence of sleep disruption. Further investigation should be performed to understand the role of upper airway infection in the setting of anatomically small airway in apparently abrupt death of infants and toddlers.

Mandibular advancement devices are an alternative and valid treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic and craniofacial abnormalities have often been reported in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). While the reversibility of these craniofacial abnormalities by means of adenotonsillectomy has yet to be established, orthodontic treatment based on oral appliances is considered to be a potential additional treatment for pediatric SDB.

DISCUSSION

Oral appliances may help improve upper airway patency during sleep by enlarging the upper airway and/or by decreasing upper airway collapsibility, thereby enhancing upper airway muscle tone. Orthodontic therapy should be encouraged in pediatric OSAS, and an early approach may permanently modify nasal breathing and respiration, thereby preventing obstruction of the upper airway.

Clinical practice guideline: tonsillectomy in children

OBJECTIVE

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with more than 530,000 procedures performed annually in children younger than 15 years. Tonsillectomy is defined as a surgical procedure performed with or without adenoidectomy that completely removes the tonsil including its capsule by dissecting the peritonsillar space between the tonsil capsule and the muscular wall. Depending on the context in which it is used, it may indicate tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy, especially in relation to sleep-disordered breathing. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care and management of children 1 to 18 years old under consideration for tonsillectomy. In addition, this guideline is intended for all clinicians in any setting who interact with children 1 to 18 years of age who may be candidates for tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance in identifying children who are the best candidates for tonsillectomy. Secondary objectives are to optimize the perioperative management of children undergoing tonsillectomy, emphasize the need for evaluation and intervention in special populations, improve counseling and education of families of children who are considering tonsillectomy for their child, highlight the management options for patients with modifying factors, and reduce inappropriate or unnecessary variations in care.

RESULTS

The panel made a strong recommendation that clinicians should administer a single, intraoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone to children undergoing tonsillectomy. The panel made a strong recommendation against clinicians routinely administering or prescribing perioperative antibiotics to children undergoing tonsillectomy. The panel made recommendations for (1) watchful waiting for recurrent throat infection if there have been fewer than 7 episodes in the past year or fewer than 5 episodes per year in the past 2 years or fewer than 3 episodes per year in the past 3 years; (2) assessing the child with recurrent throat infection who does not meet criteria in statement 2 for modifying factors that may nonetheless favor tonsillectomy, which may include but are not limited to multiple antibiotic allergy/intolerance, periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis, or history of peritonsillar abscess; (3) asking caregivers of children with sleep-disordered breathing and tonsil hypertrophy about comorbid conditions that might improve after tonsillectomy, including growth retardation, poor school performance, enuresis, and behavioral problems; (4) counseling caregivers about tonsillectomy as a means to improve health in children with abnormal polysomnography who also have tonsil hypertrophy and sleep-disordered breathing; (5) counseling caregivers that sleep-disordered breathing may persist or recur after tonsillectomy and may require further management; (6) advocating for pain management after tonsillectomy and educating caregivers about the importance of managing and reassessing pain; and (7) clinicians who perform tonsillectomy should determine their rate of primary and secondary posttonsillectomy hemorrhage at least annually. The panel offered options to recommend tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infection with a frequency of at least 7 episodes in the past year or at least 5 episodes per year for 2 years or at least 3 episodes per year for 3 years with documentation in the medical record for each episode of sore throat and 1 or more of the following: temperature >38.3°C, cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudate, or positive test for group A β-hemolytic streptococcus.

The nasomaxillary complex, the mandible, and sleep-disordered breathing

PURPOSE

This study aims to use clinical scales in a standardized fashion in evaluating the frequency of a high and narrow hard palate and/or small and retroplaced mandible in children with polysomnographically demonstrated sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of clinical and polysomnographic data from children (2-17 years old) with SDB. Exclusion criteria were obesity, presence of a syndromic disorder, and incomplete chart information. Data on demographics, reason for referral, sleep history, Mallampati scale, size of the tonsils (Friedman scale), bite occlusion (dental positioning), and correlating clinical presentation and comparative physical exam of nasomaxillary and mandibular features (using subjective grading scales) were collected, as were results of pre- and post- treatment polysomnography.

RESULTS

Data from 400 children were analyzed. With increasing age, fewer referrals were made for abnormal breathing during sleep and more were made for daytime impairment and generally poor sleep. There were 290 children (72.6%) who had tonsils graded 3+ or 4+, but 373 (93.3%) had craniofacial features considered to be risk factors for SDB, including small mandible and/or high and narrow hard palate associated with a narrow nasomaxillary complex. Mean pretreatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 14.6 ± 17.1 and AHI was similar in the three age groups. Initial treatment was adenotonsillectomy. Follow-up was obtained in 378 subjects, and 167 cases demonstrated residual AHI. Incomplete response to adenotonsillectomy was seen more often in children with Mallampati scale scores of 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Non-obese children with SDB had different initial clinical complaints based on age. Independently of age, facial anatomic structures limiting nasal breathing and those considered to be risk factors for SDB were commonly seen in the total group. Clinical assessment of craniofacial features considered as risk factors for SDB and more particularly a Mallampati scale score of 3 or 4 can be useful in identifying children who may be more at risk for limited response to adenotonsillectomy, suggesting a subsequent need for post-surgery polysomnography.

Executive summary of respiratory indications for polysomnography in children: an evidence-based review

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive, evidence-based review provides a systematic analysis of the literature regarding the validity, reliability, and clinical utility of polysomnography for characterizing breathing during sleep in children. Findings serve as the foundation of practice parameters regarding respiratory indications for polysomnography in children.

METHODS

A task force of content experts performed a systematic review of the relevant literature and graded the evidence using a standardized grading system. Two hundred forty-three evidentiary papers were reviewed, summarized, and graded. The analysis addressed the operating characteristics of polysomnography as a diagnostic procedure in children and identified strengths and limitations of polysomnography for evaluation of respiratory function during sleep.

RESULTS

The analysis documents strong face validity and content validity, moderately strong convergent validity when comparing respiratory findings with a variety of relevant independent measures, moderate-to-strong test-retest validity, and limited data supporting discriminant validity for characterizing breathing during sleep in children. The analysis documents moderate-to-strong test-retest reliability and interscorer reliability based on limited data. The data indicate particularly strong clinical utility in children with suspected sleep related breathing disorders and obesity, evolving metabolic syndrome, neurological, neurodevelopmental, or genetic disorders, and children with craniofacial syndromes. Specific consideration was given to clinical utility of polysomnography prior to adenotonsillectomy (AT) for confirmation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The most relevant findings include: (1) recognition that clinical history and examination are often poor predictors of respiratory polygraphic findings, (2) preoperative polysomnography is helpful in predicting risk for perioperative complications, and (3) preoperative polysomnography is often helpful in predicting persistence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients after AT. No prospective studies were identified that address whether clinical outcome following AT for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is improved in association with routine performance of polysomnography before surgery in otherwise healthy children. A small group of papers confirm the clinical utility of polysomnography for initiation and titration of positive airway pressure support.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric polysomnography shows validity, reliability, and clinical utility that is commensurate with most other routinely employed diagnostic clinical tools or procedures. Findings indicate that the "gold standard" for diagnosis of sleep related breathing disorders in children is not polysomnography alone, but rather the skillful integration of clinical and polygraphic findings by a knowledgeable sleep specialist. Future developments will provide more sophisticated methods for data collection and analysis, but integration of polysomnographic findings with the clinical evaluation will represent the fundamental diagnostic challenge for the sleep specialist.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a frequent disease for which optimal diagnostic methods are still being defined. Treatment of OSA in children should include providing space, improving craniofacial growth, resolving all symptoms, and preventing the development of the disease in the adult years. Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) has been the treatment of choice and thought to solve young patient's OSA problem, which is not the case for most adults. Recent reports showed success rates that vary from 27.2% to 82.9%. Children snoring regularly generally have a narrow maxilla compared to children who do not snore. The impairment of nasal breathing with increased nasal resistance has a well-documented negative impact on early childhood maxilla-mandibular development, making the upper airway smaller and might lead to adult OSA. Surgery in young children should be performed as early as possible to prevent the resulting morphologic changes and neurobehavioral, cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic complications. Close postoperative follow-up to monitor for residual disease is equally important. As the proportion of obese children has been increasing recently, parents should be informed about the weight gain after T&A. Multidisciplinary evaluation of the anatomic abnormalities in children with OSA leads to better overall treatment outcome.

Adenotonsillectomy in the context of obstructive sleep apnoea

Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) is a common surgical procedure. Its frequency is highest in the paediatric age range and its most common current indication is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep studies are used to document the presence and severity of OSA. This review will focus on indications for and complications of T&A in the context of the age range and setting where this surgery is undertaken for OSA in children.

Interventions in the paediatric sleep laboratory: the use and titration of respiratory support therapies

During sleep changes in central and peripheral neurological pathways and muscle tone result in unique vulnerabilities in the respiratory system. Abnormalities of the respiratory system that are not apparent in wakefulness can become evident during particular sleep states, making overnight polysomnography (PSG) a valuable diagnostic indicator of the source as well as the severity of the abnormality. In this review these respiratory disorders are grouped according to whether they are attributable to upper airway collapse, poor gas diffusion or inadequate ventilation (respiratory effort). Inadequate ventilation may be secondary to abnormal respiratory drive (control) or to inadequate pulmonary muscle function. As a diagnostic tool, overnight PSG can help distinguish whether the origin of the disorder is central or peripheral on the basis of which sleep state is associated with greatest abnormality. The most common treatment interventions include supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure and non-invasive ventilation. Ventilation may be with either pressure or volume cycle devices. Overnight PSG is used for the titration and monitoring of these treatments since all these forms of respiratory support require regular adjustment to match patient requirements. The methods for titration and goals of optimal therapy in the paediatric sleep laboratory are discussed.

Nasal Obstruction in Children with Sleep-disordered Breathing

Introduction: Nasal obstruction secondary to pathological enlargement of inferior nasal turbinates contributes to sleep-disordered breathing (SBD) in prepubertal children, but treatments designed to address turbinate enlargement are often not performed. The aims of these studies are: (1) to appreciate the contribution to SDB of untreated enlarged nasal turbinates in prepubertal children; and (2) to report our experience with treatment of enlarged nasal turbinates in young children with SDB. Materials and Methods: Children with enlarged nasal turbinates who underwent adenotonsillectomy (T&A) had significantly less improvement in postoperative apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) compared to those treated with concomitant turbinate reduction. Children in the untreated turbinate hypertrophy group subsequently underwent radiofrequency ablation of the inferior nasal turbinates; following this procedure, AHI was no different than AHI of those without hypertrophy. Results: In an analysis of safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency treatment of the nasal turbinates, we found the procedure to be a well-tolerated component of SDB treatment. Conclusions: We conclude that radiofrequency (RF) treatment of inferior nasal turbinates is a safe and effective treatment in young prepubertal children with SDB. When indicated, it should be included in the treatment plan for prepubertal children with SDB. However, the duration of effectiveness is variable and therapy may need to be repeated if turbinate hypertrophy recurs. Key words: Nasal inferior turbinates, Obstructive sleep apnoea, Pre-pubertal, Radiofrequency

Orthodontic expansion treatment and adenotonsillectomy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in prepubertal children

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Rapid maxillary expansion and adenotonsillectomy are proven treatments of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. Our goal was to investigate whether rapid maxillary expansion should be offered as an alternative to surgery in select patients. In addition, if both therapies are required, the order in which to perform these interventions needs to be determined.

DESIGN

Prepubertal children with moderate OSA clinically judged to require both adenotonsillectomy and orthodontic treatment were randomized into 2 treatment groups. Group 1 underwent adenotonsillectomy followed by orthodontic expansion. Group 2 underwent therapies in the reverse sequence.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-two children (16 girls) in an academic sleep clinic.

METHOD

Clinical evaluation and polysomnography were performed after each stage to assess efficacy of each treatment modality.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were similar in age, symptoms, apnea-hypopnea index, and lowest oxygen saturation. Two children with orthodontic treatment first did not require subsequent adenotonsillectomy. Thirty children underwent both treatments. Two of them were still symptomatic and presented with abnormal polysomogram results following both therapies. In the remaining 28 children, all results were significantly different from those at entry (P = 0.001) and from single therapy (P = 0.01), regardless of the order of treatment. Both therapies were necessary to obtain complete resolution of OSA.

CONCLUSION

In our study, 87.5% of the children with sleep-disordered breathing had both treatments. In terms of treatment order, 2 of 16 children underwent orthodontic treatment alone, whereas no children underwent surgery alone to resolve OSA. Two children who underwent both treatments continued to have OSA.

Pathophysiology of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep-disordered breathing is a common and serious cause of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive morbidity in children. The spectrum of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing ranges from habitual snoring to partial or complete airway obstruction, termed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Breathing patterns due to airway narrowing are highly variable, including obstructive cycling, increased respiratory effort, flow limitation, tachypnea, and/or gas exchange abnormalities. As a consequence, sleep homeostasis may be disturbed. Increased upper airway resistance is an essential component of OSA, including any combination of narrowing/retropositioning of the maxilla/mandible and/or adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, in addition to anatomic factors, the stability of the upper airway is predicated on neuromuscular activation, ventilatory control, and arousal threshold. During sleep, most children with OSA intermittently attain a stable breathing pattern, indicating successful neuromuscular activation. At sleep onset, airway muscle activity is reduced, ventilatory variability increases, and an apneic threshold slightly below eupneic levels is observed in non-REM sleep. Airway collapse is offset by pharyngeal dilator activity in response to hypercapnia and negative lumenal pressure. Ventilatory overshoot results in sudden reduction in airway muscle activation, contributing to obstruction during non-REM sleep. Arousal from sleep exacerbates ventilatory instability and, thus, obstructive cycling. Paroxysmal reductions in pharyngeal dilator activity related to central REM sleep processes likely account for the disproportionate severity of OSA observed during REM sleep. Understanding the pathophysiology of pediatric OSA may permit more precise clinical phenotyping, and therefore improve or target therapies related to anatomy, neuromuscular compensation, ventilatory control, and/or arousal threshold.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: complications, management, and long-term outcomes

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children has emerged not only as a relatively prevalent condition but also as a disease that imposes a large array of morbidities, some of which may have long-term implications, well into adulthood. The major consequences of pediatric OSA involve neurobehavioral, cardiovascular, and endocrine and metabolic systems. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of OSA-induced end-organ injury are now being unraveled, and clearly involve oxidative and inflammatory pathways. However, the roles of individual susceptibility (as dictated by single-nucleotide polymorphisms), and of environmental and lifestyle conditions (such as diet, physical, and intellectual activity), may account for a substantial component of the variance in phenotype. Moreover, the clinical prototypic pediatric patient of the early 1990s has been insidiously replaced by a different phenotypic presentation that strikingly resembles that of adults afflicted by the disease. As such, analogous to diabetes, the terms type I and type II pediatric OSA have been proposed. The different manifestations of these two entities and their clinical course and approaches to management are reviewed.

Influence of gender and age on upper-airway length during development

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea has a strong male predominance in adults but not in children. The collapsible portion of the upper airway is longer in adult men than in women (a property that may increase vulnerability to collapse during sleep). We sought to test the hypothesis that in prepubertal children, pharyngeal airway length is equal between genders, but after puberty boys have a longer upper airway than girls, thus potentially contributing to this change in apnea propensity.

METHODS

Sixty-nine healthy boys and girls who had undergone computed tomography scans of their neck for other reasons were selected from the computed tomography archives of Rambam and Carmel hospitals. The airway length was measured in the midsagittal plane and defined as the length between the lower part of the posterior hard palate and the upper limit of the hyoid bone. Airway length and normalized airway length/body height were compared between the genders in prepubertal (4- to 10-year-old) and postpubertal (14- to 19-year-old) children.

RESULTS

In prepubertal children, airway length was similar between boys and girls (43.2 +/- 5.9 vs 46.8 +/- 7.7 mm, respectively). When normalized to body height, airway length/body height was significantly shorter in prepubertal boys than in girls (0.35 +/- 0.03 vs 0.38 +/- 0.04 mm/cm). In contrast, postpubertal boys had longer upper airways (66.5 +/- 9.2 vs 52.2 +/- 7.0 mm) and normalized airway length/body height (0.38 +/- 0.05 vs 0.33 +/- 0.05 mm/cm) than girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Although boys have equal or shorter airway length compared with girls among prepubertal children, after puberty, airway length and airway length normalized for body height are significantly greater in boys than in girls. These data suggest that important anatomic changes at puberty occur in a gender-specific manner, which may be important in explaining the male predisposition to pharyngeal collapse in adults.

Are children just small adults? The differences between paediatric and adult sleep medicine

Several important physiological and maturational changes occur in sleep development during the paediatric age range, particularly during infancy and in early childhood. As the pathology of sleep apnoea is superimposed onto a developing and often plastic physiological system, children often show a different pathophysiology to their adult counterparts. These factors need to be incorporated into the evaluation of a child's sleep problems. Particular attention should be paid to the developmental stage of the child. Investigation, interpretation and subsequent management provide further unique challenges and during successive reviews predicted normal changes must also be taken into account. This review article discusses the important physiological and maturational changes that occur in sleep during childhood, some common paediatric sleep conditions and their presentation and the appropriate evaluation and management of these conditions. In the course of the discussion, we have stressed important differences between paediatric and adult sleep medicine.

Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children

BACKGROUND

Anterior open bite occurs when there is a lack of vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors. The aetiology is multifactorial including: oral habits, unfavourable growth patterns, enlarged lymphatic tissue with mouth breathing. Several treatments have been proposed to correct this malocclusion, but interventions are not supported by strong scientific evidence.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate orthodontic and orthopaedic treatments to correct anterior open bite in children.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Search strategies were developed for MEDLINE and revised appropriately for the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register; CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4); PubMed (1966 to December 2005); EMBASE (1980 to February 2006); Lilacs (1982 to December 2005); Brazilian Bibliography of Odontology (BBO) (1986 to December 2005); and SciELO (1997 to December 2005). Chinese journals were handsearched and the bibliographies of papers were retrieved.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of orthodontic or orthopaedic treatments or both to correct anterior open bite in children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of all reports identified. Risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous data. The continuous data were expressed as described by the author.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-eight trials were potentially eligible, but only three randomised controlled trials were included comparing: effects of Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training versus no treatment; repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks; and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup versus no treatment. The study comparing repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks could not be analysed because the authors interrupted the treatment earlier than planned due to side effects in four of ten patients.FR-4 associated with lip-seal training (RR = 0.02 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.38)) and removable palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup (RR = 0.23 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.48)) were able to correct anterior open bite.No study described: randomisation process, sample size calculation, there was not blinding in the cephalometric analysis and the two studies evaluated two interventions at the same time. These results should be therefore viewed with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

:There is weak evidence that the interventions FR-4 with lip-seal training and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup are able to correct anterior open bite. Given that the trials included have potential bias, these results must be viewed with caution. Recommendations for clinical practice cannot be made based only on the results of these trials. More randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the interventions for treating anterior open bite.

Rapid maxillary expansion in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: 12-month follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcome of rapid maxillary expansion in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children, we studied 16 patients (mean age 6.6+/-2.0; 9 males) with dental malocclusion, a body mass index < or =85 percentile, and OSAS confirmed by polysomnography.

METHODS

At baseline and after the trial, all patients underwent physical examination, standard polysomnography and orthodontic assessment. The Brouillette questionnaire investigating symptoms of OSA was administered to parents before and during the trial to assess the clinical severity of their sleep-disordered breathing. Two treated patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from the final study.

RESULTS

In the 14 treated subjects who completed the study and follow-up, polysomnography showed a significant decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (p=0.005), hypopnea obstructive index (p=0.002) and arousal index (p=0.001). Questionnaire responses before and after treatment showed a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

A rapid maxillary expander is an effective appliance for treating children with OSAS.

Pediatric sleep apnea: implications of the epidemic of childhood overweight

Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of overweight across all pediatric age groups and ethnicities has increased substantially, with the current prevalence of overweight among adolescents estimated to be approximately 30%. Current evidence suggests that overweight is modestly associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) among young children, but strongly associated with OSAS in older children and adolescents. The rising incidence of pediatric overweight likely will impact the prevalence, presentation, and treatment of childhood OSAS. The subgroup of children who may be especially susceptible include ethnic minorities and those from households with caregivers from low socioeconomic groups. OSAS, by exposing children to recurrent intermittent hypoxemia or oxidative stress, may amplify the adverse effects of adiposity on systemic inflammation and metabolic perturbations associated with vascular disease and diabetes. When these conditions manifest early in life, they have the potential to alter physiology at critical developmental stages, or, if persistent, provide cumulative exposures that may powerfully alter long-term health profiles. An increased prevalence of overweight also may impact the response to adenotonsillectomy as a primary treatment for childhood OSAS. The high and anticipated increased prevalence of pediatric OSAS mandates assessment of optimal approaches for preventing and treating both OSAS and overweight across the pediatric age range. In this Pulmonary Perspective, the interrelationships between pediatric OSAS and overweight are reviewed, and the implications of the overweight epidemic on childhood OSAS are discussed.

Persistence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children after adenotonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relative contribution of various risk factors to the surgical outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Children (n = 110; mean age, 6.4 +/- 3.9 years) underwent two polysomnographic evaluations before and after adenotonsillectomy. In addition, 22 control children were studied. History for allergy and family history of sleep-disordered breathing was taken before each polysomnographic evaluation.

RESULTS

Significant changes in sleep stage percentages and sleep fragmentation were found in the postsurgery study compared with the presurgery study; 25% of the children had apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) </=1, 46% had AHI >1 and <5, and 29% had AHI >/=5 in the postsurgery study. The frequency of subjects with AHI </=1 after surgery was significantly lower among obese subjects (P < .05). Comparison between the children who had AHI </=1 after surgery and 22 control children showed complete normalization of sleep architecture after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenotonsillectomy yields improvements in respiratory abnormalities in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Complete normalization occurs in only 25% of the patients. Obesity and AHI at diagnosis are the major determinant for surgical outcome. When normalization of respiratory measures occurs after surgery, normalization of sleep architecture will also ensue.

Accumulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β2 and Nitrated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans in Cerebrospinal Fluid Correlates with Poor Neurologic Outcome in Preterm Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Progressive post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants strongly predicts abnormal neurologic development, and often accompanies cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL). Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), associated with hydrocephalus, can upregulate the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) synthesis. To date, CSPG and their nitrated metabolites (NT-CSPG) have not been evaluated in hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, CSPG, and NT-CSPG would accumulate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in preterm hydrocephalus, and their concentrations would correlate with poor long-term outcomes.

METHODS

TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, CSPG, and NT-CSPG concentrations in CSF were measured prospectively by ELISA in 29 preterm newborns with (n=22) or without (n=34) progressive post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and correlated with progressive neonatal hydrocephalus and neurologic outcome. Only concentrations from each patient's initial CSF sample were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to neonates without hydrocephalus, CSF [TGF-beta1], [TGF-beta2], [CSPG] and [NT-CSPG] were significantly greater by >3-, >35-, >8-, and >3-fold, respectively. Unlike CSF [TGF-beta2] and [CSPG], [TGF-beta1] correlated with CSF [total protein]. Only CSF [NT-CSPG] correlated with cPVL. Unlike [TGF-beta2] or [CSPG], [NT-CSPG] correlation with preterm progressive post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PPHH) was explained entirely by the presence of cPVL among these patients. [TGF-beta2] was >20-fold greater in preterm survivors who required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for PPHH (n=9), as compared to survivors who did not require a shunt (n=2), or those without hydrocephalus (n=12). [TGF-beta2] and [NT-CSPG] correlated inversely with Bayley Index Scores (15.0 months median adjusted age).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report that [TGF-beta2], [CSPG], and [NT-CSPG], measured well before term, accumulate abnormally in preterm progressive post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus CSF, and correlate with adverse neurologic outcome.

Upper airway dynamic responses in children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Normal children have a smaller upper airway than adults, but, nevertheless, snore less and have less apnea. We have previously shown that normal children have an upper airway that is resistant to collapse during sleep. We hypothesized that this resistance to collapse is due to preservation of upper airway neuromotor responses during sleep. Furthermore, we hypothesized that upper airway responses would be diminished in children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We therefore compared the upper airway pressure-flow relationship during sleep between children with OSAS and controls. Measurements were made by correlating maximal inspiratory airflow with the level of nasal pressure applied via a mask. Neuromotor upper airway activation was assessed by evaluating the upper airway response to 1) hypercapnia and 2) intermittent, acute negative pressure. We found that children with OSAS had no significant response to either hypercapnia or negative pressure during sleep, compared with the normal children. After treatment of OSAS by tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, there was a trend for normalization of upper airway responses. We conclude that upper airway dynamic responses are decreased in children with OSAS but recover after treatment. We speculate that the pharyngeal airway neuromotor responses present in normal children are a compensatory response for a relatively narrow upper airway. Further, we speculate that this compensatory response is lacking in children with OSAS, most likely due to either habituation to chronic respiratory abnormalities during sleep or to mechanical damage to the upper airway.

[Evolution study in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea]

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common disorder in childhood with an uncertain evolution.

OBJECTIVES

Study of children's clinical evolution with suspected diagnosis of OSAS, which was carried out after two years of an overnight polisomnogram.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

73 children were studied. We evaluated if they had been operated and what type of surgery was performed, Brouillete Scale and subjective impressions. We have correlated: age, clinical evolution and surgery.

RESULTS

Age was inversely correlated with changes in Brouillete (r=-0.39, p=0.002), standing out that children that underwent surgery were younger (4.1 vs. 7.0 years, Student t: -4.22, p=0.00009). Without the influence of age, the difference between evolution in operated and not operated ones was not significative, statistically speaking, but it was if we analysed the different types of surgery by themselves (Snedecor F: 3.9, p=0.007), tonsillectomy was the larger.

CONCLUSION

The middle-term evolution in children with OSAS is good if we use the correct treatment.