Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) in children is a far less studied and understood
abnormality compared to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is seen more often in
younger patient population mostly with co-morbidity. There are structural
abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, airway and chest wall or functional disorders in
respiratory control, hemoglobin concentration, swallowing or cardiovascular system,
resulting in CSA. Clinical observation of central apneic events prompts further
evaluation ideally done by performing Polysomnography testing (sleep study) to
confirm the presence and estimate the severity.
Various medical and surgical treatment options result in improvement or resolution of
the central apneic events. Majority of the patients show a gradual resolution of the
disorder with age. However a minority of patients continue to manifest the disorder and
require longer term treatment mostly by using respiratory support in the form of
invasive or non-invasive ventilation. More research is needed to explore treatment
options for children.
Keywords: Central sleep apnea, Pediatrics, Polysomnographic study, Sleep
disordered breathing.
