Central Sleep Apnoea in Children

Abstract

Objectives: Central sleep apnoea (CSA) has been described in the adult population but there is limited information in children. So, the objective of this study was to focus epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, investigation and proper management of CSA in children. Methods: By performing a search in PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, GOOGLE with the keywords: (central sleep apnoea* children*) AND Literature searches were performed in order to identify material relating central sleep apnoea in children since 1980 to 2020. Relevant articles related to central sleep apnoea were identified and taken as a reference paper for preparing this article. A literature search was carried out based on a predefined series of key clinical questions. and the strategies included filters to limit the results by study type (reviews, randomized controlled trials and other types of experimental research) and age range (0–18 yrs.). In all cases, the results were limited to English language material. Result: Central sleep apnoea (CSA) is a disorder in which there is recurrent cessation of breathing while asleep during night-time. These night-time breathing disturbances can lead to cardiovascular and neurological disorder. There are several clinical presentations of CSA, including periodic breathing, apnoea, snoring, gasping, hyperactivity restless sleep, daytime sleepiness. Abnormal ventilator function during sleep is the key point of CSA. The prevalence of Central sleep apnoea (CSA) in healthy children is thought to be about 4–6%. The classification of CSA can be depending on the hypercapnia or no hypercapnia based on CO2 level in wakefulness stage and physiologic, idiopathic, or secondary CSA with the underlying diseases condition. Whole night polysomnography is the gold standard test for diagnosis of central sleep apnoea in children. Other investigation depends on the underlying causes. The management of CSA include counselling, oxygen supplementation, medication, non-invasive ventilation, and surgical intervention. After screening high risk children will undergo earlier diagnosis and timely therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Similar to adult patients, children with CSA present with complaints of insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and sometimes symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea. In healthy children CSA is rare but if happened need extensive investigation and to find out exact underlying condition and also offer treatment accordingly.