Sleep-disordered breathing in children with craniosynostosis

Sleep Breath. 2013 Mar;17(1):389-93. doi: 10.1007/s11325-012-0706-2. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Abstract

Background: Syndromic craniosynostosis (SC) is associated with a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, it remains unclear whether non-syndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) is associated with an increased risk for SDB.

Setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral pediatric medical center.

Methods: A prospective polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation was conducted of all children diagnosed with craniosynostosis over a 3-year period and who had not undergone previous PSG for SDB-related symptoms.

Results: Among 14 children fulfilling inclusion criteria, 10 had NSC and 4 were diagnosed with SC (Crouzon syndrome). SDB was present in 50 % of the NSC and in 75 % of SC. No associations emerged between the number of sutures affected and the presence of SDB.

Conclusions: SDB is highly prevalent not only in SC but also among asymptomatic children with NSC. The diagnosis of NSC should prompt a diagnostic PSG as a routine component of the clinical evaluation, and PSG findings may aid in the formulation of decisions regarding timing and need for surgical interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Craniosynostoses / diagnosis*
  • Craniosynostoses / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Polysomnography
  • Prospective Studies
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / epidemiology*