Evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its relationship with central respiratory dysfunction in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Background: Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) have been considered at risk for central adrenal insufficiency (CAI). Hypothalamic dysregulation has been proposed as a common mechanism underlying both stress-induced CAI and central respiratory dysfunction during sleep.

Objective: To evaluate CAI and sleep-related breathing disorders in PWS children.