Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children with Down Syndrome in Saudi Arabia: Current Evidence and a Proposed Care Pathway

Background/Objectives: Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which cannot be reliably excluded by symptoms or examination. Saudi evidence remains limited. This review synthesizes international and Saudi evidence and proposes a pediatric care pathway incorporating the transition to adult services.

Methods

We conducted a structured narrative review of the English-language literature identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, selected journal websites, and reference lists. The review focused on publications from January 2018 to 17 September 2026, retaining relevant earlier studies. Evidence was synthesized qualitatively without a new meta-analysis or formal risk of bias assessment.