[Sleep-disordered breathing in early childhood: their neurocognitive repercussions].
Sleep-disordered breathing in early childhood includes a wide array that includes conditions ranging from primary snoring to the most severe forms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. It may be associated to behavioural and cognitive alterations such as learning and memory disorders or problems with attention, even in the milder forms of the disorder. Our aim is to review the clinical manifestations of sleep-disordered breathing in early childhood, focusing on the neurocognitive and behavioural deficits, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Sleep-disordered breathing produces alterations to a greater or lesser extent in the children's cognitive and behavioural functioning, regardless of the severity of the breathing disorder. There is evidence to show that these manifestations can be reversible when early and effective treatment is carried out. It is therefore important to enquire specifically about children's sleep and daytime behaviour, with special emphasis on the presence of snoring because even when it is resolved, there is an increased long-term risk of conduct disorders during the day.