Positional Therapy in a Child with Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep
Apnea: A Case Report
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common in children with Down
Syndrome. We report an 11-month-old female infant with Down syndrome who
presented with OSA and Hypoventilation. As surgery was not indicated she
was referred for institution of CPAP. As her family had concerns about
CPAP, she was started on medications (nasal steroids and leukotriene
antagonists) and advised Positional Therapy. Repeat sleep study in
lateral position performed 7 months later showed resolution of
hypoventilation and significant reduction in AHI.