Sleep-disordered breathing in children with craniosynostosis

Background: Syndromic craniosynostosis (SC) is associated with a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, it remains unclear whether non-syndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) is associated with an increased risk for SDB. Setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral pediatric medical center. Methods: A prospective polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation was conducted of all children diagnosed with craniosynostosis over a 3-year period and who had not undergone previous PSG for SDB-related symptoms. Results: Among 14 children fulfilling inclusion criteria, 10 had NSC and 4 were diagnosed with SC (Crouzon syndrome). SDB was present in 50 % of the NSC and in 75 % of SC. No associations emerged between the number of sutures affected and the presence of SDB. Conclusions: SDB is highly prevalent not only in SC but also among asymptomatic children with NSC. The diagnosis of NSC should prompt a diagnostic PSG as a routine component of the clinical evaluation, and PSG findings may aid in the formulation of decisions regarding timing and need for surgical interventions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.