Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Prevalent in Adults with Down Syndrome

It is not a new finding that obstructive sleep apnoea is common in adults with Down syndrome - but this new study, published yesterday, has found a very high incidence among its small sample, and addresses the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of a significant health problem.

Trois, MS, Capone, GT et al, Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults with Down Syndrome, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Vol 5, Issue 4, 15th August 2009

The abstract is currently online, and it appears that the full text will be freely available six months after publication under the journal's open access policy. In the meantime, our library will seek a print copy. Amongst the researcher's conclusions:

We speculate that the complications of untreated OSAS (cardiovascular disease, increased mortality, and neurobehavioral morbidities including daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive function) commonly overlap with the manifestations of DS and therefore may not elicit a prompt investigation in these patients. We speculate that OSAS is an important, but potentially treatable, cause of morbidity in adults with DS.

Inscience has published an excellent summary of the study, with comments by one of the authors, Dr Carole Marcus.

The Spring 2009 issue of the Down Syndrome NSW Newsletter (to be published on 1st September 2009) includes an article about the experience of one young man with Down syndrome in dealing with severe obstructive sleep apnoea, and the benefits of his treatment.

If you are interested in further information about obstructive sleep apnoea in people with Down syndrome of any age, you are welcome to contact us via info@dsansw.org.au