Disordered Breathing In Children Research Articles

Обоснование применения остеопатической коррекции у пациентов с нарушением носового дыхания

Introduction
 Todate, the prevalence of breathing disorders in children and adults makes it necessary to modify diagnostic and therapeutic measures to improve the health status of patients. Currently, the question of whether complex treatment of comorbid patients affects their respiratory function remains open.
 Purpose
 To evaluate the effect of osteopathic correction of nasal breathing disorders in orthodontic patients with occlusion pathology.
 Materials and methods
 30 orthodontic patients with concomitant nasal breathing disorders underwent osteopathic correction of the nasal-frontal complex using the author's method (patent application 2023131610). The method of breathing assessment was spirometry with CONTEC SP80B device.The study standardization included the patient's sitting position; a maximal deep breath was taken through the nose with tight lips followed by a complete exhalation through the mouth into the tube of the device. For each patient, the vital capacity of the lungs (VC) was assessed before osteopathic treatment (FVC0), immediately after osteopathic treatment (FVC1) and in 1.5 months (FVC2) in order to assess the delayed outcomes of the osteopathic correction. Friedman's one-way analysis was used to test the statistical significance of differences between the groups, then the groups were compared in pairs with each other using the Nemenyi test. The overall significance level was taken as 0.5. The statistical criteria were calculated using the scipy version 1.9.1 and scikit-posthocs version 0.7.0 packages of the Python 3.10 programming language.
 Results
 The overall difference in the medians of all subjects in terms of vital capacity before and immediately after the osteopathic correction (FVC1 and FVC0) was 23%, and it was 26%inthe groups relative to the primary values (FVC2 and FVC0) in 1.5 months after the osteopathic correction.If we consider the male half of the patients, the median increase in vital capacity was 18% in 1.5 months after the intervention,while it was 31% in women.In patients under 20 years old, the median increase in vital capacityimmediately after the osteopathic correctionwas 26%, and in 1.5 months after the intervention, the median increase was another 6%; in patients over 20 years old, the increase in vital capacity was 11% immediately after the osteopathic correctionand another 5%in 1.5 months.
 Conclusion
 The osteopathic correction of dysfunctions of the frontal-nasal complex according to the author's method with acomprehensive approach improves nasal breathing, contributes to the normalization of general health status, posture, feet, and psychological state and improves the effect of orthodontic appliances in the treatment of malocclusion pathology.

Predictive values of Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score in the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric population.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder in children. Determination of risk factors for the development of OSA is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease and decreases the risk of negative consequences. This study aimed to investigate the predictive values of Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score in the presence and severity of OSA in children. This prospective cross-sectional study included 114 children with OSA symptoms. All children were assessed by BMI z-score, Mallampati score, and tonsillar size and underwent overnight polysomnography. They were consecutively selected and assigned to 4 groups as follows: Group 1 included normal-weight with a low Mallampati score; Group 2 involved normal-weight with a high Mallampati score; Group 3 included obese with a low Mallampati score; and Group 4 involved obese with a high Mallampati score. Of the 114 included children, 58 were female and 56 were male, with a mean age of 13.1 ± 2.9 years. OSA frequency and apnea-hypopnea index were significantly higher in group 4 compared with other groups (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas average and minimum spO2 were significantly lower (for both, p = 0.001). Mallampati score and BMI z-score were found to be significant for predicting OSA (odds ratio = 4.147, 95% CI: 1.440-11.944; p = 0.008 and odds ratio = 1.760, 95% CI: 1.039-2.980; p = 0.035, respectively). Among OSA patients, the Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score were found to be significant for predicting OSA severity (odds ratio = 4.520, 95% CI: 1.332-15.335, p = 0.015, odds ratio = 9.177, 95% CI: 2.513-33.514, p = 0.001, and odds ratio = 2.820, 95% CI: 1.444-5.508; p = 0.002, respectively). The coexistence of the Mallampati score and BMI z-score significantly increases the presence of OSA in children. Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score are promising parameters for predicting OSA severity.

Breathing disorders in children

Breathing disorders in children are one of the most common challenges for both parents and physicians. The first step should always consist of the initial clinical assessment concerning the potentially critically ill patient. Using the pediatric assessment triangle (PAT), the rapid evaluation of airway and breathing is crucial. Although the etiology of pediatric breathing disorders is manifold, we would like to focus on common diagnoses. Based on the three leading symptoms stridor, wheeze, and tachypnea, the most important diseases of pediatric patients are presented and initial treatment steps are discussed. We target crucial, life-saving, basic medical procedures that should be mastered and performed in and also outside of specialized centers or pediatric units.

Psychosomatic disorders in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep-related breathing disorders in children are usually caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy and associated with many related disorders: pulmonary hypertension, developmental delay, sleepwalking, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and enuresis. Numerous studies indicate the correlation of the above syndromes. Surgical removal of airway obstruction (adenotonsil lectomy) in most cases leads to complete resolution or significant improvement of comorbid disorders. A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the examination of this category of patients and their treatment with the participation of pediatricians, psycho-neurologists, and ENT specialists is required.

Substantiating reference values of active anterior rhinomanometry in children aged 4-14

Objective diagnostics of nasal breathing disorders in children is a vital issue given frequent inconsistency between patients' subjective feelings and actual nasal patency. Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) is an objective procedure and the golden standard for nasal breathing evaluation. But still, there are no actual data in literature on relevant criteria used to evaluate nasal breathing in children. To determine reference values for indicators evaluated by active anterior rhinomanometry in Caucasian children aged 4-14 based on statistical data. Overall, we examined 659 healthy children of both sexes who were divided into 7 groups as per their height. All children included into our research underwent AAR according to the conventional procedure. AAR indicators (Summary Flow left, Summary Flow right, Summary Flow, Summary Resistance left, Summary Resistance right and Summary Resistance Flow) are given as median (Me) and values of 2.5, 25, 75, and 97.5 percentiles. We determined direct moderate, significant and strong correlations between summary speed of the flow and resistance in both nasal passages and separate speeds of the flow and right and left resistance in inhalation and exhalation (r=0.46-0.98, p<0.001). We also established weak correlations between AAR indicators and age (r= -0.08-0.11), and between ARR indicators and height (r= -0.07-0.15). Reference values for AAR indicators were successfully determined. AAR indicators are likely to be determined bearing a child's height in mind. Determined reference intervals can be applied in clinical practice.

Characterisation of brain microstructural alterations in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome using diffusion kurtosis imaging.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic sleep-related breathing disorder in children. Previous studies showed widespread alterations in white matter (WM) in children with OSA mainly by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), while diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) extended DTI and exhibited improved sensitivity in detecting developmental and pathological changes in neural tissues. Therefore, we conducted whole-brain DTI and DKI analyses and compared the differences in kurtosis and diffusion parameters within the skeleton between 41 children with OSA and 32 healthy children. Between-group differences were evaluated by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis (p < 0.05, TFCE corrected), and partial correlations between DKI metrics and sleep parameters were assessed considering age and gender as covariates. Compared with the controls, children with OSA showed significantly decreased kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) mainly in white matter regions with a complex fibre arrangement including the posterior corona radiate (PCR), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), while decreased FA in white matter regions with a coherent fibre arrangement including the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), and corpus callosum (CC). Notably, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated the KFA value in complex tissue regions significantly (p < 0.001) differentiated children with OSA from the controls. In addition, the KFA value in the left PCR, SLF, and IFOF showed significant partial correlations to the sleep parameters for children with OSA. Combining DKI derived kurtosis and diffusion parameters can provide complementary neuroimaging biomarkers for assessing white matter alterations, and reveal pathological changes and monitor disease progression in paediatric OSA.

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children-Red Flags in Pediatric Care.

Objectives: In recent years, we have witnessed a growing interest in pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Although a Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) exists and was found reliable in screening SRBD in children, many of the children remain underdiagnosed. The aim of the present study was to define anamnestic and clinical findings that can serve as red flags indicating the presence of SRBD in children. Methods: 227 children aged 4–12 years old were evaluated with regard to the following parameters: (i) anamnestic variables (e.g., general state of health, oral habits, bruxism, esophageal reflux, sleep continuity, snoring); (ii) clinical parameters (e.g., oral mucosa, palate, tonsils, tongue, floor of the mouth, angle classification, gingival health, caries risk) and (iii) presence of SRBD (through the PSQ). Results: Significant differences between children with and without SRBD were observed regarding continuous sleep, developmental delay, mouth breathing, and snoring. Taking medications for ADHD increased the odds of SRBD in children by over seven times, non-continuous sleep increased the odds of SRBD by six times, mouth breathing increased the odds by almost five times, and snoring increased the odds by over three times. Conclusions: Child caregivers from various fields (dentists, orthodontists, pediatric physicians, school nurses) should actively inquire about disturbed sleep, medications for ADHD, snoring, and mouth breathing among their young patients. Initial screening through a few simple questions may help raise red flags that can assist in the early detection of SRBD in children and lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Children with Asthma: Impact on Asthma Control.

To investigate the frequency of sleep-related breathing disorder and the relationship between asthma control and sleep-related breathing disorder in children with persistent asthma. Comparative cross-sectional study. University of Health Sciences, Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey, from January 2019 to June 2019. Children aged 4-11 years with persistent asthma were included. At enrollment, socio-demographic and asthmatic characteristics were investigated, and pediatric sleep questionnaire and childhood asthma control tests were administered. Out of 120 patients, 75 (62.5%) were males and 45 (37%) females. According to GINA guidelines, asthma was well controlled in 23.3% children, partially controlled in 50.8% children and uncontrolled in 25.8% children. The frequency of habitual snoring was reported as 20.8% and the frequency of sleep-related breathing disorder was 29.2%. The prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders was significantly higher in the uncontrolled asthma group (p <0.001). Significant-independent efficacy of physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis, habitual snoring, and low asthma control test scores was observed in predicting sleep-related breathing disorders in multivariate logistic regression model (p <0.001). Uncontrolled asthma is associated with sleep-related disordered breathing. The authors suggest that allergic rhinitis, habitual snoring, and low asthma control test scores are important risk factors for sleep-related breathing disorders in children with persistent asthma. Asthma, Asthma control test, Allergic rhinitis, Habitual snoring, Pediatric sleep questionnaire, Sleep-related breathing disorder.

Altered Spontaneous Brain Activity Related to Neurologic and Sleep Dysfunction in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic sleep-related breathing disorder in children, which leads to growth retardation, neurocognitive impairments, and serious complications. Considering the previous studies about brain structural abnormalities in OSA, in the present study, we aimed to explore the altered spontaneous brain activity among OSA patients, using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) methods based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-one untreated OSA children and 33 age-and gender-matched healthy children (HC) were included in this study. Compared with controls, the OSA group showed significant lower ALFF in the right lingual gyrus, decreased fALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG), but increased fALFF in the left precuneus. Decreased ReHo was found in the left inferior frontal gyrus (orbital part) and left middle frontal gyrus. Notably, the mean fALFF value of left MFG was not only significantly related to multiple sleep parameters but also demonstrated the best performance in ROC curve analysis. These findings revealed OSA children were associated with dysfunctions in the default mode network, the frontal lobe, and the lingual gyrus, which may implicate the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of intrinsic brain activity. The correlation between the altered spontaneous neuronal activity and the clinical index provides early useful diagnostic biomarkers for OSA children as well.

Algorithm for the diagnosis of breathing disorders during sleep in children with neurological pathology

Introduction. Sleep disorders in children with nervous system pathology are more pronounced than in the general population. One of the most common causes of sleep disorders in children is sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of our study was to create an algorithm for the diagnosis of sleep breathing disorders in children with neurological pathology. Materials and methods. The results of night studies (160 polysomnographies, 98 cardiorespiratory monitorings) carried out in the department of instrumental diagnostics at the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health in 258 children (154 boys and 104 girls, aged one month to 17 years) with neurological pathology were analyzed. Questionnaires were used to assess the quality of sleep. An essential criterion for dividing children into groups was the presence of maxillofacial anomalies (MFA). The results were compared with complaints according to questionnaires, age, BMI and ENT-status of patients. Results. In the general sample, a significant (p &lt; 0.001) relationship between respiratory disorders and complaints and the presence of ENT pathology was obtained. The most severe breathing disorders were recorded in children with MFA (p &lt; 0.001). The result was the creation of an algorithm for examining children with neurological pathology. Conclusion. Children with neurological pathology in sleep-breathing disorders require a personalized approach to correcting the causes of these disturbances, depending on the nosology. Chronic pathology of the ENT organs aggravates respiratory disorders during sleep. Regular monitoring of sleep disorders using questionnaires should be included in the algorithm for managing children with neurological diseases of all ages for early detection of these disorders.

Comparison of Frequency and Severity of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children with Simple Obesity and Paediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) can be present in children with simple obesity and with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and influence an individual diagnostic and treatment approach. We compared frequency and severity of SRBDs in children with simple obesity and with PWS, both without and on recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment, and correlation of SRBDs with insulin resistance tests. A screening polysomnography-polygraphy (PSG), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were analysed in three groups of patients—with simple obesity (group 1, n = 30, mean age 14.2 years), patients with PWS without the rhGH therapy (group 2, n = 8, mean age 13.0 years) and during the rhGH treatment (group 3, n = 17, mean age 8.9 years). The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3, compared to group 1 (p = 0.00), and hypopnea index (HI) was higher in group 1 (p = 0.03). Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and apnea index (AI) results positively correlated with the insulin resistance parameters in groups 1 and 3. The PSG values worsened along with the increasing insulin resistance in children with simple obesity and patients with PWS treated with rhGH that may lead to a change in the patients’ care.

Relationship between Poorly Controlled Asthma and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children with Asthma: A Two-Center Study.

Objective Asthma and sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are common chronic respiratory diseases in children. The relationship between asthma and SRDB is bidirectional. However, only a few studies have analyzed the relationship between asthma control status and risk of SRBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between asthma control and SRBD and further assess the relationship between therapy/atopy/lung function of children with asthma and SRBD. Methods A total of 209 children aged 3–16 years were enrolled in this study. Pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) scores were used to identify children at high risk of developing SRBD. Data on asthma control status, therapy, allergy, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide were collected. Results A significantly higher risk of SRBD was found among children with poorly controlled asthma (34.25% vs. 13.97%, P < 0.01) and allergic rhinitis (AR) (34.29% vs. 13.92%, P < 0.01) than among children with well-controlled asthma and AR. The prevalence of SRBD was also significantly higher in asthmatic children with obesity than that with just obesity (42.11% vs. 20.00%, P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that poorly controlled asthma (OR, 2.746 (95% CI, 1.215–6.209); P < 0.05) and poorly controlled AR (OR, 3.284 (95% CI, 1.430–7.544); P < 0.01) increased the odds of having SRBD. Conclusion Poorly controlled asthma and AR increase the risk of SRBD. A routine check of the level of asthma control and appropriate use of medication for AR are important because of their influence on SRBD.

POTENTIAL OF LOGOPEDIC SUPPORT AIMED AT FORMATION OF PHONIC BREATHING SKILLS OF PRESCHOOLERS WITH HEARING LOSS

The article deals with the issues of improvement of logopedic work on rehabilitation of phonic breathing skills of preschoolers with hearing loss. The study provides data indicating the existence of various diversified phonic breathing disorders in children with complete and partial hearing loss. The article reveals the problem of irrational use of the air drawn into the lungs by preschoolers with hearing loss and the resulting impairment of the structural components of the phonetical aspect of speech. The novelty of the study consists in discovery of additional opportunities in the work of the specialists of preschool education institutions of combined and compensatory types on the formation of correct phonic breathing skills. The authors argue that it is necessary to unite the efforts of the surdopedagogue, tutor, music teacher, and PT instructor while conducting work aimed at the formation of phonic breathing skills of preschoolers with hearing loss. The authors have revealed additional opportunities in the process of formation and rehabilitation of phonic breathing by each specialist of the preschool education institution, which are believed to be efficient resources of the whole educational work on the oral speech of children with hearing loss. The forms of interaction with the parents of preschoolers with hearing loss in the process of rehabilitation-educational activity are also considered. The study demonstrates the necessity of using modern methods of work on oral speech formation of preschoolers to guarantee their high-quality all-round development.

Associations of Sedentary Behaviour, Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Composition with Risk of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children with Overweight/Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and body composition parameters with risk of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children with overweight/obesity. One-hundred and nine children (10.0 ± 1.1 years old, 45 girls) with overweight (n = 27) and obesity (n = 82) were included. Television viewing time was self-reported by using the Spanish adaptation of the “Youth Activity Profile” (YAP) questionnaire. Sedentary time and physical activity were measured with accelerometry. CRF was assessed with the 20-m shuttle-run test and body composition parameters with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. SRBD were evaluated by using the Spanish version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Television viewing time was positively associated with risk of SRBD (r = 0.222, p = 0.021). CRF was negatively correlated with risk of SRBD (r = −0.210, p = 0.030). Body composition parameters were positively associated with risk of SRBD (all p < 0.05), except fat mass index. Stepwise regression analyses showed that body mass index (BMI) explained the largest proportion of the variance in SRBD (r2 = 0.063, p = 0.01) and television viewing time was the only one added after BMI (r2 change = 0.048, p = 0.022). This study supports the notion that higher body weight status negatively influences risk of SRBD and adds that unhealthy behaviours could contribute to worsen SRBD, related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. All the significant association observed in this manuscript were of small magnitude, indicating than other factors in addition to the one hereby studied contribute to explain the variance in SRBD.

Sleep-disordered Breathing

Sleep disordered breathing disorders in children are of a high clinical relevance. They do not only affect a large proportion of the children's lives in terms of time but they impact on the thriving, cardiovascular function and cognitive development. Different developmental factors have to be considered in the interpretation of sleep studies in children. Adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy is the most frequent reason for paediatric sleep disordered breathing, however the spectrum of aetiologies is very large. Syndromic cranio facial malformations and metabolic disorders are often associated with a very high risk of relevant sleep disordered breathing. Correct and child-oriented diagnostics are essential to enable adequate therapy.

Prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in children with malocclusion.

BackgroundThe paediatric population has a high incidence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). A notable risk factor is the presence of craniofacial abnormalities. The objective of the study was therefore to survey the prevalence of SRBD in patients presenting for interceptive treatment. Material and MethodsProspective study with a sample of 249 healthy patients. The “Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire” and “Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children” were completed by the children’s parents and the results were evaluated. All patients had their medical records reviewed and underwent orthodontic diagnosis by oral examination, as well as dental cast and cephalometric analysis. Finally, we compared the results of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires of 50 patients in the sample. ResultsBased on the results of the questionnaires, 22.8% of the study sample had SRBD. No statistically significant correlation was found between SRBD and the anthropometric characteristics and occlusal variables assessed. According to the cast analysis, patients with SRBD had a smaller maxillary width (p<0.003), and according to the cephalometric study, less overbite (p<0.003). Furthermore, the prevalence of SRBD was higher among patients with a history of adenotonsillectomy (p<0.02). Comparison of the results of pre- and post-treatment questionnaires revealed significant differences after orthodontic treatment (p<0.0005). ConclusionsIt is necessary to identify the presence of SRBD in orthodontic patients given its high prevalence. Patients with SRBD have a smaller maxillary width and less overbite. Key words:Sleep-related breathing disorders, paediatric sleep questionnaire, cephalometry.

Sleep-related breathing disorders in children and teenagers: diagnosis, consequences and comorbidities

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent sleep-related breathing disorder in children with a prevalence of approximately 3% between the ages of 3 and 8. Its origin is multifactorial (hypertrophy of pharyngeal soft tissues, narrowing of the bone airways, damage to the neuromuscular tone). The symptoms and clinical signs to look for during the day and at night are directly related to upper airway (UA) obstruction or poor sleep quality. After a complete anamnestic and clinical evaluation, including nasofibroscopy, the ENT specialist will refer to an adeno-amygdalectomy or night recording by polysomnography or polygraph to confirm the diagnosis in the child. Among adolescents, the prevalence of OSAS is reported to be between 0.5 and 6%. The main risk factors are obesity, male sex and a history of tonsillectomy. In addition to the classic symptoms of childhood OSAS, this syndrome may, in adolescents, manifest itself as a misleading semiology of dyssomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and/or mood disorders. Differential diagnoses with risk behaviours, phase delay or narcolepsy should be systematically discussed. It is essential to record breathing during sleep. Even if the obstructive apnea/hypopnea index is low, it must be considered. In both children and adolescents, multidisciplinary management (ENT, orthodontist, maxillofacial physiotherapist, pulmonologist) should be early in order to avoid neurocognitive, behavioural, cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Maxillofacial surgery can be discussed from the age of 15. It is important not to forget to pay attention to the rules of healthy living and sleep as well as the management of obesity.

Sleep-related breathing disorders in children and teenagers: diagnosis, consequences and comorbidities

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent sleep-related breathing disorder in children with a prevalence of approximately 3% between the ages of 3 and 8. Its origin is multifactorial (hypertrophy of pharyngeal soft tissues, narrowing of the bone airways, damage to the neuromuscular tone). The symptoms and clinical signs to look for during the day and at night are directly related to upper airway (UA) obstruction or poor sleep quality. After a complete anamnestic and clinical evaluation, including nasofibroscopy, the ENT specialist will refer to an adeno-amygdalectomy or night recording by polysomnography or polygraph to confirm the diagnosis in the child. Among adolescents, the prevalence of OSAS is reported to be between 0.5 and 6%. The main risk factors are obesity, male sex and a history of tonsillectomy. In addition to the classic symptoms of childhood OSAS, this syndrome may, in adolescents, manifest itself as a misleading semiology of dyssomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and/or mood disorders. Differential diagnoses with risk behaviours, phase delay or narcolepsy should be systematically discussed. It is essential to record breathing during sleep. Even if the obstructive apnea/hypopnea index is low, it must be considered. In both children and adolescents, multidisciplinary management (ENT, orthodontist, maxillofacial physiotherapist, pulmonologist) should be early in order to avoid neurocognitive, behavioural, cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Maxillofacial surgery can be discussed from the age of 15. It is important not to forget to pay attention to the rules of healthy living and sleep as well as the management of obesity.

Pectus excavatum is associated with sleep-related breathing disorders in children

By demonstrating the association between sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) and pectus excavatum (PE) in children, SRBDs were identified as a possible risk for developing PE. All clinicians who find PE in children should consider SRBD screening.http://bit.ly/2LFS7yE

High Incidence of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children with Down Syndrome Referred to a High-Altitude Sleep Laboratory.

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children with Down Syndrome (DS) living at high altitude. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 53 children with DS who underwent polysomnography (PSG) at San Ignacio University Hospital (2640 m/8660 ft above sea level) from 2009 to 2016. Data were extracted from official PSG reports and analyzed using measures of central tendency and dispersion, frequency calculation, ranges, and confidence intervals. Associations were examined using t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of variance test. Results: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was present in 90.5% of children. Central sleep apnea was evident in 11.3%. Periodic breathing was seen in 15.1% of patients. Snoring was able to predict OSA with a sensitivity of 61.7%, a specificity of 100%, and negative predictive value of 25%. Conclusion: Children with DS who live at high altitude have a high incidence of SRBD. Our findings show a higher incidence of SRBD than previously reported in the population with DS. Furthermore, snoring was not sensitive enough to predict OSA. This high risk of SRBD may increase the risk of other comorbid conditions seen in the population with DS. Our results support the need for routine PSG screening independent of symptoms such as snoring status.