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A Short Primer on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

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Abstract

The developmental trajectories in the anatomy and neural networks that occur during the first years of life lead to prominent differences in the physiological characteristics of pediatric sleep as compared with those of the adult population. In this chapter, we initially discuss these fundamental differences, before examining the two main pathological categories of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: (1) central hypoventilation disorders and (2) obstructive sleep apnea. Although central hypoventilation disorders are rare, misdiagnosis or mismanagement can result in disastrous consequences, and therefore the basic premises promoting suspicion and diagnosis will be covered. In contrast, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is frequently encountered by primary care physicians, such that the major concepts regarding its pathophysiology, morbidity, diagnosis, and treatment are reviewed in greater detail. In this context, we endeavoured to present the most up-to-date literature and thus enable the reader to critically appraise the available information. However, to provide a more useful reference source, we also provide pragmatic recommendations for the evaluation and management of children with sleep-disordered breathing.

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Funding Sources

L.K.G. and D.G. are supported by National Institutes of Health grants HL-65270, HL-086662, and HL-107160.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK

    Hui-Leng Tan M.D.

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC2117, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

    Leila Kheirandish-Gozal M.D., M.Sc.

  3. Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, 5721 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 8000, Suite K-160, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

    David Gozal M.D.

Authors
  1. Hui-Leng Tan M.D.
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  2. Leila Kheirandish-Gozal M.D., M.Sc.
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  3. David Gozal M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Gozal M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep Disorders Center, Pueblo, Colorado, USA

    James F. Pagel

  2. Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine / Center for Healthful Behavior Change, New York, New York, USA

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

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Tan, HL., Kheirandish-Gozal, L., Gozal, D. (2014). A Short Primer on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children. In: Pagel, J., Pandi-Perumal, S. (eds) Primary Care Sleep Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_20

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