Congenital Diseases Predisposing to Sleep Apnea

Congenital diseases are a large and heterogeneous group of developmental alterations that occur during pregnancy. Congenital diseases have very different causes that can be classified as follows: genetic defects; exposure to infectious agents, chemicals, and drugs with teratogenic action; and a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Congenital disease causes structural, functional, or metabolic abnormalities. Congenital disorders are associated with a higher risk of sleep-related respiratory disorders (SDB) that occur from the first months of life. The various pathophysiological factors involve a variable presence of breathing disturbed in sleep with obstructive and central manifestations. The children with congenital disease, at high risk for SDB, may not present with SDB symptoms and deserve special attention as well as a low threshold for a sleep study referral. Untreated SDB can lead to a worsening of neurocognitive or behavioral manifestations, as well as metabolic, cardiovascular manifestations, which make the treatment of patients with congenital disorders very demanding. Identifying, diagnosing, and treating SDB can significantly improve the patient's quality of life, prevent the development of sequelae or comorbidities, and prolong survival.