Consequences of paediatric sleep disordered breathing: contributions from Australian and New Zealand investigators

Aims: To highlight the contributions of Australian and New Zealand researchers to the identification of the consequences of paediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed using the terms “sleep disordered breathing” “child” and “Australia or New Zealand”. All abstracts were reviewed and those which focused on the consequences of SDB have been included. Results: Australasian research into the consequences of SDB has grown exponentially over the last 35 years. SDB has significant adverse consequences for quality of life, behaviour, neurocognition and the cardiovascular system and the Australasian research studies investigating these are summarised. Conclusions: Australian and New Zealand researchers have played a significant role in understanding the consequences of paediatric SDB and the mechanisms which underpin these. The research conducted “Downunder” has led the world in this field of research and will continue to provide evidence to improve the lives of children not only in Australasia but around the world.