Asthma as a risk factor for respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive breathing during sleep

Abstract

Children with asthma are at increased risk for obstructive breathing during sleep. Adenotonsillectomy, the treatment of choice for obstructive breathing during sleep, is associated with significant postoperative respiratory morbidity. To determine whether asthma is a risk factor for respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive breathing during sleep. This case-control study compared 115 children aged 3 to 18 years with respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy (study group) with 115 children without respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy (control group). The postoperative respiratory complications ranged from oxygen desaturation to respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. The study group had a higher proportion of children with asthma (P < .01). Logistic regression analysis showed that asthma increases the odds of postoperative respiratory complications to 4.4 (95% confidence interval, 2.13-9.0), after controlling for age, weight greater than the 97th percentile for age, sex, race, and medical conditions other than asthma. In children with obstructive breathing during sleep, the presence of asthma is associated with an increased risk of respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy.