Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Guidelines, Evidence, and Nuance

Abstract

Program Description: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common referrals for otolaryngologists. Over the past three years, clinical practice guidelines have been published by the AAO-HNS, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Sleep Medicine regarding the diagnosis and management of OSAS. This presentation will begin with a comparison of these guidelines and the evidence used to reach the recommendations. Panelists, through case examples and examination of current literature, will then discuss nuanced issues of pediatric OSA to include short- and long-term perioperative management, obese children with sleep apnea, and subtleties of formal polysomnography in children. Educational Objectives: 1) Compare similarities and differences in the practice guidelines by the various subspecialties involved in the management of children with OSAS and the evidence used to make these recommendations. 2) Evaluate the evidence supporting current perioperative management strategies in children undergoing surgical treatment for OSAS. 3) Improve management of OSAS in obese children and the growing evidence that suggests these children carry increased perioperative risk.