Five cases of near-miss sudden infant death syndrome and development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Five full-term infants were referred for "near miss" sudden infant death syndrome events, which occurred between 3 and 12 weeks of age. After a complete pediatric evaluation and 24-hour polygraphic monitoring, each infant was monitored at home with a cardiorespiratory monitor. Each was followed regularly (with repeat polygraphic recordings) up to 4 years of age. All five infants developed heavy snoring at night and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was confirmed by polygraphic recordings; surgery was recommended. Four of the five children underwent adenoidectomies between 3 and 4 years of age, and this significantly improved their condition. These five cases are the first polygraphically documented histories of the development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.