The “Italian way” to counteract obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in children

Dear Editor, the estimated prevalence of OSAS and habitual snoring in children is 0.1-13% and 6-12%, respectively 1,2. The lack of treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders puts patients at risk of hypertension, growth lag, hyperactivity, attention deficit, learning disabilities, low levels of education and literacy. Some studies have shown a significant increase in the use of health services (new admissions, accesses to first aid, consumption of drugs) by children with OSAS compared to the control group for all ages. The severity of OSAS correlates directly with total annual costs and is age-independent 3. Other studies have shown that annual healthcare costs are reduced by one-third for children with OSAS undergoing adenotonsillectomy 4. The awareness of OSAS and habitual snoring as a highly relevant health issue at the developmental age is rather inadequate. There is also a very significant gap between the estimated number of children with OSAS, as a high percentage of them are undiagnosed, and the ability of the Italian health system to diagnose and treat them. This is why the Italian Minister of Health has approved a new holistic approach