Management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with craniofacial malformation

Children with craniofacial syndromes, especially those with midfacial hypop lasia, micrognathia: or deformation of the cranial base, are frequently suf fering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). It is important to rec ognize this condition. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic developments are discussed. Experience with 31 patients in the Sophia Children's Hospital is presented. The majority of these infants suffered from moderate or severe OSAS. Treatment varied from symptomatic (e.g. continuous positive airway pr essure) to curative. These therapies could often prevent a tracheotomy. Sti ll more curative treatment options are needed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd. All rights reserved.