Treatment alternatives for sleep-disordered breathing in the pediatric population

Abstract

PURPOSE FOR REVIEW: Childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with a myriad of health problems that underscore the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with SDB present with behavior problems, deficits of general intelligence, learning and memory deficits, evidence of brain neuronal injury, increased cardiovascular risk, and poor quality of life. Children are in a rapid state of cognitive development; therefore, alterations of health and brain function associated with SDB could permanently alter a child's social and economic potential, especially if the disorder is not recognized early in life or is treated inadequately.

Recent findings: There is evidence that the majority of the problems associated with SDB improve with treatment. Treatment strategies are now being aimed at mechanisms underlying the disorder. There are multiple treatment options available to children; some are novel, with pending treatments on the horizon that may replace age-old therapies such as adenotonsillectomy or nasal positive pressure.

Summary: It is imperative that healthcare workers actively seek out signs and symptoms of SDB in patients to improve early detection and treatment for prevention of long-term morbidity.