Sleep apnoea in infancy and childhood. Considering two possible causes: obstruction and neuromuscular disorders.

Two aspects of sleep apnoea in infancy and childhood are considered. First of all the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is reviewed; its causes, and types, and clinical differences depending on the age of the affected patient. Difficulties of diagnosis are discussed, as well as methods used to confirm the presence of the syndrome. Then means of treatment are considered, both medical and surgical. The second part of the paper is concerned with a particular group of children, especially at risk of sleep apnoea; those suffering from neuromuscular disorders as these are likely to be of special interest to paediatric neurologists. These include neuropathies, myopathies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonia, and disorders of the neuromuscular junction.