Telemedicine-based sleep services for a complex child: optimizing care during a pandemic and beyond

J Clin Sleep Med. 2022 Jan 1;18(1):325-327. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9616.

Abstract

A 12-year-old male with nonverbal autism and morbid obesity was referred to a pediatric sleep center during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for complaints of snoring with tonsillar hypertrophy and difficulty falling asleep. Due to social challenges, the family had not sought in-person care in the past. Through telemedicine consultation and home sleep apnea testing, the patient was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea as well as an irregular sleep-wake disorder. This unique utilization of the health care system in the care of a complex patient with multiple sleep disorders demonstrates the utility of remote care and testing. There is a great benefit to continuing to provide pediatric sleep care in this way beyond the pandemic.

Keywords: autism; children; home sleep apnea testing; insomnia; sleep; sleep apnea; telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sleep
  • Telemedicine*