Pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing and anesthetic considerations.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to evaluate pathophysiology of pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB), its anesthetic implications, and recommendations for perioperative care.

RECENT FINDING: Pediatric patients with oSDB develop neurocognitive consequences and are at increased risk for perioperative complications.

SUMMARY: To minimize the incidence of perioperative adverse events for pediatric patients with oSDB, anesthesia providers must have a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and be up to date on current recommendations when caring for these patients.