Neurostimulation for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Doug Chieffe; Christopher Hartnick

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.007

Neurostimulation for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;57(3):447-455. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.007. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Authors

Doug Chieffe¹, Christopher Hartnick²

Affiliations

¹ Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
² Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Pediatric Airway, Voice, and Swallowing Center; Harvard Medical school, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: christopher_hartnick@meei.harvard.edu.

PMID: 38508882
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.007

Abstract

Up to 80% of children with Down syndrome (DS) are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and only 16% to 30% will have resolution of their OSA with adenotonsillectomy. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a well-established therapy for adults with OSA and was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children with DS and residual OSA. There is robust experience with this therapy in adults that has led to well-established care pathways. However, given the challenges inherent to caring for a complex pediatric population, these pathways are not directly transferrable to children with DS.

Keywords: Down syndrome; Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea; Upper airway stimulation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adenoidectomy / methods
Child
Down Syndrome* / complications
Electric Stimulation Therapy* / methods
Humans
Hypoglossal Nerve*
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / therapy
Tonsillectomy / methods
Treatment Outcome