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Comprehensive Otolaryngology

Updates and Controversies: Troubleshooting Treatment Failures – Mild Pediatric OSA

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: Ballroom B1

    Moderator(s)

  • JD

    Joseph E. Dohar, MD, MS

    Medical Director, Pediatric Voice, Resonance, and Swallowing Center
    UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, PA, United States

    • Panelist(s)

  • Derek J. Lam, MD, MPH

    Associate Professor
    Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, OR, United States

  • Norman M. Friedman, MD

    Professor
    Children's Hospital of Colorado
    Aurora, CO, United States

  • RM

    Ron B. Mitchell, MD

    Vice-Chairman, Professor
    University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology
    Dallas, Texas, United States

Disclosure(s):
Ron B. Mitchell, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway obstruction, poor sleep, and daytime sequelae such as hyperactivity. Although controversy exists regarding the ideal evaluation for children with obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing, the severity of OSA is currently determined by overnight polysomnography (PSG). Mild OSA is defined by an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) > 1 and < 5. The majority (approximately 85%) of healthy school‐aged children evaluated by otolaryngologists for tonsil hypertrophy and obstructive symptoms have either primary snoring or mild OSA. This reality positions mild pediatric obstructive sleep apnea squarely in the domain of both general and pediatric otolaryngologists alike and served as the primary impetus for submitting this panel.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Effectively and practically diagnose children with mild OSA

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Understand the role of observation and medical treatment for children with mild OSA as well as the options for appliances and positional therapy

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Understand all surgical treatment options for mild pediatric OSA and the role of DISE be aware of ongoing studies and future directions

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: OSA in children was identified in the gap analysis as an area of interest and need. 85% of children with snoring and large tonsils have this condition and present to both general and pediatric otolaryngologists, the topic is of wide importance. Much has changed or is changing, controversy exists.