EVOLUTION OF SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING AND SLEEP IN INFANTS

Objective: The evolution of sleep-disordered breathing and sleeping pa tterns in a group of high-risk infants was studied throughout the firs t year of life. Methodology: Eleven infants with documented sleep apno ea underwent overnight polysomnographic studies at monthly intervals t o 6 months, then at 9 and 12 months of age. Results: All infants had c entral apnoea and obstructive events recorded on their initial sleep s tudies. The sleep-disordered breathing in these infants was associated with disturbed sleeping patterns. The amount of rapid eye movement(RE M) sleep recorded in each study was inversely proportional to the amou nt of apnoea. The amount of apnoea and sleep disturbances were highest at 2 months of age and then progressively improved and obstructive ev ents resolved by 1 year of age. Conclusions: The respiratory abnormali ties and steep disturbances peaked in severity at the age reported to have the highest incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and may have implications for its aetiology.