Allergy Asthma Respir Dis.  2024 Apr;12(2):93-98. 10.4168/aard.2024.12.2.93.

A 23-year-old female with Down syndrome accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea and acute respiratory failure

• Lee S
• Lee J
• Kim K

• KMID: 2555660
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aard.2024.12.2.93

Abstract

This case report details a 23-year-old female with Down syndrome who suffered from acute respiratory failure due to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and accompanying pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The patient presented with obesity, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and craniofacial anomalies commonly seen in Down syndrome, predisposing her to sleep-disordered breathing. Upon intensive care unit admission, she exhibited cardiomegaly, bilateral pulmonary edema, and right ventricular dysfunction. Polysomnography revealed severe sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea index of 108.7/hr. Treatment modalities included noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, diuretics, antibiotics, and positive airway pressure (PAP) devices to manage hypercapnia, pulmonary edema, and sleep apnea. PAH, a recognized complication of untreated sleep apnea, contributed to right ventricular dysfunction. A multidisciplinary approach was vital, with long-term management centered on continuous PAP therapy and comprehensive obesity management. This case underscores the intricate interplay between Down syndrome, sleep apnea, and PAH, highlighting the significance of early recognition and coordinated intervention in individuals with Down syndrome to enhance overall outcomes and quality of life.

Keyword

Obesity; Obstructive sleep apnea; Down syndrome; Pulmonary hypertension