Diagnostic studies in the assessment of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: techniques and indications.
In summary, SDB is a common condition in children that can have serious complications if left undiagnosed and untreated. OSA is the most commonly recognized form of SDB in children. The history and physical have limitations in their capacity to determine which children have SDB. Abbreviated or screening techniques, such as audio- or videotaping, oximetry studies, nap studies, or home studies, tend to be helpful if the results are positive but have a poor predictive value if the results are negative. Overnight polysomnography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of SDB in children. It is important that children are studied in laboratories that have expertise with children. Often, children with SDB have associated nonrespiratory or behavioral sleep disorders that also must be evaluated and addressed.