Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by repetitive partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The causes can be structural, functional, or a combination of the two. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome are excessive sleepiness, noisy breathing or snoring during sleep, irregular body positions in sleep, apneic episodes (breathing pauses), choking or gasping in sleep, tiredness upon awaking, and daytime mouth breathing.

Children and adults who have Down syndrome are at increased risk for OSA with some estimates as high as 65% with severe problems in over 15%. A small airway, short palate length, small mandible, and low muscle tone may contribute to the syndrome. Sleep disorders can contribute to decreased oxygenation of the blood, hyperactivity, poor school performance, and cardiovascular disease.

A sleep study (polysomnography) is used to diagnose sleep apnea. This is an overnight study performed in a sleep study lab located in a clinic or hospital. Studies have shown that parent report is not a reliable screen to identify children who have sleep apnea. Because of the high incidence of sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome some ENT's recommend OSAS testing between the ages of 3 ½ and 4 years of age for all children with Down syndrome. This is presently not a recommendation of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group. Occasionally a Cine MRI will be required. This procedure takes sequential airway photos during sleep and is available only at a few sites.

Treatments include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surgical procedures. CPAP is administered by mask during sleep and keeps the airway from collapsing. The most common surgical procedure to correct OSA is adenoidectomy. Children who have adenoidectomy have an increased incidence of regrowth if the procedure is performed before age two years. As many as 40 to 50% of children have resolution of symptoms following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Other surgical procedures include radiofrequency reduction to the base of the tongue and genioglossus advancement.

If your child has symptoms of sleep apnea consult your pediatrician or ENT.
Deborah Woolard

Dr. Tamison Jewett, geneticist & PDSSN Advisory Counsel Member, will present the first Annual Down Syndrome Update at the WFU Medical Center. PDSSN parents & interested community members are welcome to attend this interesting program so mark your calendars. The PDSSN Annual meeting will take place immediately following Dr. Jewett's presentation.

All officers and all Board members will be elected at this meeting. Members presently holding these positions can be re-elected but we will have an official election for ALL positions as we begin our Corporation as a 501c 3.

If you are interested in running for an office or have questions, please notify Sherry Jeffries. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or have questions, notify Bill Donohue. Please notify them if you are presently serving and want to continue or if you are not holding an office but are interested in doing so your name can be placed on the ballot.

Remember you must be a registered member to vote or serve as an officer or board member. Dues can be paid at the annual meeting ($10) for those that are renewing and can be paid now ($5) for those wishing to join. If you have questions about your membership status you may contact Kristen Faulkner, who is responsible for membership.

Second Chance Golf Tournament and Benefit Ride Fund Raiser - July 30, 2005.

Net proceeds of both events go to the PDSSN & Second Chance Boys Ranch. Please plan to support this fund raiser.

Call Chuck at 336-399-5401 for more information about the golf tournament or Bill Donohue to sign up for the PDSSN golf team. Call Rod at 336-643-7203 for more information about the motorcycle ride. Call Deborah Woolard for volunteer assignments.

A party will take place at County Line at 3:30 PM.
We need families to participate to show our thanks for their efforts on our behalf.