Trastornos del sueño en la niñez secundarios a alteraciones en las vías respiratorias superiores / No disponible

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sleep disorders are frequent in infancy and childhood. Although obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not as prevalent as other sleep disorders in childhood, this review is focused on OSA as it has a larger impact on children's health than other sleep disturbances.Obstructive sleep apnoea: OSA is caused by a prolonged upper respiratory airway obstruction during sleep. Symptoms in children are subtle and may pass unrecognised. Subsequent changes in quality and quantity of sleep may have an impact on children's cognitive and physical growth. Diagnosis: Polysomnography is the gold standard technique for OSA diagnosis, although other methods can be used as screening tools. Treatment: Treatment may be surgical, medical or pharmacological.Surgical approach with adenotonsillectomy is the most frequently indicated, as adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the commonest cause of OSA in childhood. Prognosis: Outcome of childhood OSA in adulthood is not well known.Long term follow-up of treated patients throughout adolescence and adulthood is indicated to detect relapses.Conclusions: OSA in childhood may have an impact on physical and cognitive development. Early diagnosis and treatment and adequate follow up are important to prevent physical disturbances secondary to chronic hypoxemia and to avoid cognitive deficits associated with disrupted sleep architecture (AU)