Lost to follow-up: Post-operative polysomnography in at-risk, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Analyze adherence to AASM recommendations for post-operative polysomnography in eligible pediatric patients.Retrospective Cohort.Tertiary, Outpatient Sleep Lab.We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients, ages 1-17, previously diagnosed with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea that completed a surgical intervention. Chart review included demographic data, a co-morbidity of interest, the presence of an otolaryngology, primary care, or sleep medicine encounter, time to follow-up, the presence of a post-operative polysomnography, time to post-operative polysomnography, and the presence of an annual follow-up with any provider.Of the 373 patients, 67 patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine followed-up with any provider, with 21 completing post-operative polysomnography. Patients with residual or recurrent symptoms (p < 0.01) and all patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.04) were more likely to complete post-operative polysomnography (PSG). Sub-analysis across at-risk categories (isolated moderate, isolated severe, moderate & a co-morbidity, and severe & a co-morbidity) revealed patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea & a co-morbidity completed a follow-up PSG more often than isolated moderate obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.01). There was a difference in follow-up with sleep medicine across at-risk categories (p < 0.01).Recurrent symptoms and increasing disease severity were associated with obtaining post-operative polysomnography. However, variability existed for which patients completed post-operative polysomnography. We speculate an inconsistent standard across disciplines, inadequate post-operative obstructive sleep apnea management education, and uncoordinated systemic processes contribute to this discrepancy. Our findings support a standardized, multi-disciplinary care pathway for the management of at-risk, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.