Sleep apnea studies in an infant with congenital primary hypoventilation (“Ondine' curse”)

Abstract

Recurrent apneic episodes were typically associated with sleep, not wakefulness, in an infant with congenital primary hypoventilation (“Ondine' Curse”). Quiet sleep (SLQ) was shown to constitute a higher risk condition than active sleep (SLA) at the ages she was recorded polygraphically (2-4 months old). This infant' respiratory disorder was complicated by recurrent pneumonia, seizures and deficient growth which resulted in death at the age of eight months. Necropsy revealed bronchopulmonary dysplastic fibrosis and cor pulmonale. Neuropathology examination failed to reveal pathologic changes in the brainstem.