Melnick-Needles syndrome (MNS) belongs to the otopalatodigital syndrome spectrum disorder and is associated with a short stature, facial dysmorphism, osseous abnormalities involving the majority of the axial and appendicular skeleton resulting in impaired speech and masticatory problems.

An intermittent cessation of airflow at the mouth and nose during sleep. Apneas of at least 10 seconds are considered important, but persons with sleep apnea may have apneas of 20 seconds to up to 2 or 3 minutes. Patients may have up to 15 events per hour of sleep.