Alternatives to Polysomnography for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) requires hospital-based, overnight level I polysomnography (PSG). Obtaining a level I PSG can be challenging for children and their caregivers due to the costs, barriers to access, and associated discomfort. Less burdensome methods that approximate pediatric PSG data are needed. The goal of this review is to evaluate and discuss alternatives for evaluating pediatric SDB. To date, wearable devices, single-channel recordings, and home-based PSG have not been validated as suitable replacements for PSG. However, they may play a role in risk stratification or as screening tools for pediatric OSA. Further studies are needed to determine if the combined use of these metrics could predict OSA.

Automated summary

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) requires hospital-based, overnight level I polysomnography (PSG). Alternative methods such as wearable devices, single-channel recordings, and home-based PSG have not been validated as suitable replacements for PSG but may have potential roles in risk stratification or screening for pediatric OSA. Further studies are needed to determine if the combined use of these metrics could predict OSA.