The 'Guideline for OSAS in children'

Abstract

The obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a sleep-related disorder characterised by repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep. In children this sleep-related disorder is associated with medical and developmentrelated disorders such as failure to thrive, cardiovascular complications and neurocognitive problems. Recently, the Dutch multidisciplinary guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea syndrome in children were developed. In these guidelines adenotonsillectomy is considered to be the first-line treatment. Distraction surgery can be considered for children with severe sleep apnoea syndrome as a result of midfacial hypoplasia or micrognathia. The guidelines define a limited role for orthodontic treatment of dysgnathia. With mandibular repositioning appliances and rapid maxillary expansion, an increase of the upper airway volume can be produced. According to the new guidelines, orthodontic therapy may be considered as one of the secondary treatment options for sleep apnoea syndrome in children with specific disturbed jaw relations in selected cases.