Detection of sleep associated dysfunctional pharyngeal obstruction in infants

Abstract

Six infants were referred with symptoms and clinical signs suggesting airway obstruction during sleep. In each case, overnight recordings of arterial oxygen saturation, respiratory movements and end tidal expired carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) showed the presence of abnormal episodes of hypoxaemia related to partial or complete airway obstruction and associated with a specific pattern of the inspiratory movement waveforms. These events and patterns were not found on recordings from 20 age-matched healthy infants and young children. ETCO₂ levels were also abnormally elevated in all six patients when asleep. Fiber-optic upper airway endoscopy excluded structural abnormalities, including significant tonsillar or adenoidal enlargement, but showed an intermittent dysfunctional inspiratory obstruction in the pharynx. Continuous positive airways pressure and tracheostomy were effective in treating this obstruction.