Journal article
Narcolepsy With or Without Cataplexy In The Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
Journal of Sleep And Sleep Disorder Research, pp 1-13
25 Jun 2018
Abstract
Study Objectives: Narcolepsy diagnosis has been associated with a long lag time between the onset of the disorder and the diagnosis itself among patients with the disorder. This article reviews the childhood epidemiology of idiopathic narcolepsy, including its prevalence, subtypes, and disease progression.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to include both published and unpublished data on pediatric narcolepsy. All English language articles were included through April, 2015.
Results: Time from symptom onset to diagnosis for children is approximately three years. The prevalence of cataplexy appears to be lower in children compared to adults, suggesting a later onset of cataplexy. The presence of cataplexy, however, was unrelated to demographic factors and laboratory findings.
Conclusion: There is a substantial lag-time between initial symptom presentation and diagnosis in children with narcolepsy. A less quintessential presentation of narcolepsy might occur in children relative to adults, making diagnosis more challenging. Continued improvements in narcolepsy education for both pediatricians and parents might facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of the disease, thus leading to improved outcome.
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Details
- Title
- Narcolepsy With or Without Cataplexy In The Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
- Creators
- Racha Nazir - Psychiatrist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Camden, NJDavid S Bennett - Drexel UniversityKarim Sedky - Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
- Contributors
- Peter Halasz (Editor) - National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Budapest, Hungary
- Publication Details
- Journal of Sleep And Sleep Disorder Research, pp 1-13
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry
- Other Identifier
- 991020785626204721