Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Very Young

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this report was to review the recent literature related to the assessment and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children under the age of 2  years.Recent FindingsAdenotonsillectomy (AT) indications are changing, with a greater proportion of younger children undergoing AT for OSA. Medical therapies may be an alternative to AT in mild-moderate OSA cases; however, further research is needed. Coblation ® intracapsular tonsillectomy may confer benefits in reduced post-operative pain and hemorrhage. Recent concerns regarding the safety of general anesthesia in young children are an important area for further investigation.SummaryThere is a paucity of literature related to OSA in children younger than 2  years. Recent large-scale trials have actively excluded children from this age group and there are no planned studies of this specific population. These children represent a distinct population with differing etiologies, presentations, investigations, and management consideration.
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research