Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a prevalence of up to 5% in children and 50% in obese children. OSA is associated with various comorbidities in the general population and in the perioperative period. In this review, we will provide background of OSA and insights into the available treatment options both surgically and medically. Unlike adults, most pediatric OSA is treated with adenotonsillectomy. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the commonly used medical treatment. Management of pediatric OSA is multidisciplinary. We will discuss the surgical options and medical options of managing pediatric OSA.
Keywords: adenotonsillectomy; anti-inflammatory; mandibular distraction osteogenesis; positive airway pressure; sleep apnea; supraglottoplasty; uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.