Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy In Children Research Articles

An Observational Study on the Treatment Outcomes of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children

Background: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy, marked by abnormal enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils, is common in children and can cause various health issues. For severe cases, surgical intervention, mainly adenotonsillectomy, is often recommended and has proven effective in improving airway obstruction, sleep quality, and overall health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the treatment Outcomes of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Head & Neck Surgery (ENT), Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2023 to June 2023. A total of 57 children with primary symptoms of mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep disturbances were purposively enrolled as study subjects. For data analysis, MS Office tools were applied. Results: Most participants (61.4%) were aged 2-5 years and female (60%). All participants (100%) reported symptoms of nasal blockage, snoring, and mouth breathing. A majority (61.4%) had grade 2 tonsillar hypertrophy. After 3 months of medical treatment, 57.9% experienced complete relief of nasal symptoms, including sleep apnea, 24.6% showed moderate improvement, and 17.5% saw no improvement. Conclusion: Intranasal steroids, combined with oral amoxicillin e-clavulanic acid and montelukast, reduce adenotonsillar hypertrophy symptoms and lower surgical intervention rates. This approach targets inflammation and infection, potentially improving patients' quality of life. More studies are needed to establish guidelines and optimize treatment.

Oropharyngeal microbiome in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and after adenotonsillectomy

Background The microbiome of tonsils and adenoid in adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) has been profiled. Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is widely used for ATH in children. The variation of the oropharyngeal microecology in children with ATH or after AT have never been studied. Objectives Here we aimed to evaluate the change in oropharyngeal microbiome in ATH Children after AT. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, throat swabs for microbiome analysis were collected from ATH, AT and control groups. Using 16s rDNA sequencing, this study investigated the characteristics of oropharyngeal microbiome. Results The α-diversity showed a statistical difference in richness and the β-diversity was significantly different among the three groups. The relative abundance of Haemophilus (member of Proteobacteria) increased but that of Actinomyces (member of Actinobacteriota) decreased in the ATH group compared to those in the AT and control groups, but their abundances showed no statistical difference between the AT and control groups. Conclusions The oropharyngeal microbial diversity and composition are disrupted in children with ATH and can be restored after AT. This microbiome analysis provides a new understanding about the pathogenesis of ATH in children. Summary In this study, we aimed to evaluate the change in oropharyngeal microbiome in ATH Children after AT. The oropharyngeal microbial diversity and composition are disrupted in children with ATH and can be restored after AT.

Vitamin D Deficit as Inducer of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Prospective Case-Control Study.

(1) Objective: This prospective case-control study aimed to assess the level of serum vitamin D comparing pediatric non-allergic patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy controls. (2) Methods: The period of the enrollment was from November 2021 to February 2022. Children with uncomplicated OSA caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) were recruited. Allergy was excluded by skin prick test (SPT), and the determination of serum IgE level using ELISA test. Plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was quantitatively determined; then, the vitamin D concentration in patients was compared with healthy controls matched for sex, age, ethnicity, and characteristics. (3) Results: Plasma 25-OHD levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects (mean 17 ng/mL, 6.27 DS, range 6-30.7 ng/mL, vs. mean 22 ng/mL, 9.45 DS, range 7-41.2 ng/ ml; p < 0.0005). The prevalence of children with vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the ATH group than controls. The plasma 25-OHD level did not change following the ATH clinical presentation (III or IV grade according to the Brodsky scale), while the different categories of 25-OHD status (insufficiency, deficiency, and adequacy) in the ATH group were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001) from healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: This study identified statistically significant differences between the ATH group and control regarding the plasma concentration of vitamin D; this data, despite not being directly linkable to the lymphoid tissue hypertrophy (p-value not significant), might suggest a negative effect of vitamin D deficit on the immune system.

Asthma control in normal weight and overweight/obese asthmatic children following adenotonsillectomy.

Childhood adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) frequently occurs concomitant with asthma. Adenotonsillectomy and reduction in asthma severity association has been reported. We describe changes in asthma control in nonobese or normal weight and obese/overweight children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for SDB. This prospective, nonrandomized cohort trial with 6-month follow-up at a tertiary children's hospital enrolled 41 children with persistent asthma undergoing adenotonsillectomy for SDB. Children with significant chronic medical conditions, premature birth (< 28weeks), or recent respiratory infection were excluded. Patients were stratified by baseline BMI into nonobese or normal weight (BMI < 85 percentile) and obese/overweight (BMI > 85%). The primary outcome was change in Childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT) scores 3 and 6 months following adenotonsillectomy. Secondary outcome examined improvement in Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) 3 and 6months following adenotonsillectomy. Baseline characteristics were similar except for anthropometric measures and mean PACQLQ (P = .03). Children with nonobese or normal weight (n = 26) had statistically significant improvement in change in cACT at 3 (22.80 ± 2.33 vs. 17.86 ± 3.53, P < .001) and 6 (20.71±3.29 vs. 18.24 ± 4.16, P = .044) months compared with baseline. PACQLQ scores also improved at 3 (6.20 ± 0.87 vs. 4.56 ± 1.12, P < .001) and 6 (6.36 ± 0.72 vs. 4.93 ± 0.96, P < .001) months. Obese/overweight children (n = 10) had significant improvement in cACT scores at 6months (20.00 ± 3.90 vs. 15.00 ± 6.90, P = .048). Change of cACT scores at 3months (17.86 ± 3.53 vs. 14.86 ± 6.31, P = .272) was not significantly different. PACQLQ scores improved at 3 (5.47 ± 1.09 vs. 3.70 ± 0.85, P < .001) and 6 (5.75 ± 2.19 vs. 3.67 ± 1.04, P = .016) months. Nonobese or normal-weight children undergoing adenotonsillectomy demonstrated significant improvement in asthma control scores at 3 and 6 and obese/overweight children at 6 months. Using the PACQLQ, caregiver quality of life improved for all children at 3 and 6 months. Surgical management of ATH in children with comorbid SBD and asthma is a good treatment option.

Impact of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children

Impact of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children

Effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in improving of nocturnal enuresis in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is an old &amp; common childhood condition. It has been found that, there is a relationship between adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children &amp; nocturnal enuresis. Aim: This study was conducted to see the effects of adenotonsillectomy on nocturnal enuresis in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Methods: This study was conducted in Diwaniyah teaching hospital, Diwaniyah city, Iraq, from May 2012 to August 2014. The total number of children admitted for adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy alone were 287 children, 76 out of the total number were included in the study. The children were followed- up by the same questionnaire for four months postoperatively, including, age, the number of night bed wettings, type of enuresis and the results of urine examination. Results: Of total 287 children who were submitted for surgery, 76 children were eligible for the study, 48(63.16%) of the total number included in the study were males and 28 (36.84%) were females. The mean age was 7.2 y. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 64 children, and tonsillectomy in 12 children. A complete improvement of nocturnal enuresis (NE) &amp; daytime incontinence was achieved in 32 (42.11%) children. A mild to moderate improvement was observed in 38 (50%), while no improvement seen in the remaining 6 (7.89%) children postoperatively. Conclusion: Children with nocturnal enuresis should be evaluated by ENT surgeon to rule out any adenotonsillar hypertrophy for possible adenotonsillectomy effect. However, a wide base studies are needed to clarify these results.

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in Children with Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy Referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz from 2019 to 2020

Background: Allergic diseases are among the most common chronic conditions in pediatrics. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relative frequency of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Methods: In this descriptive study, 175 patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy referred to the Imam Khomeini hospital of Ahvaz from March 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed based on the Score for AR (SFAR) questionnaire. The questionnaire, including the expert-designed SFAR, has eight main components that evaluate eight quantitative features of AR, and each was designated with a specific weighted score based on previous clinical studies. The total score could vary from 0 to 16. Frequency and percentage were used to describe the data. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data. Results: One hundred seventy-five patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy in the age range of 1 to 17 years were studied. Ninety-one patients (52%) were male, and 84 patients (48%) were female. Based on the score obtained from the questionnaire, 146 patients (83.4%) had a score of less than seven, indicating susceptibility to AR. Twenty-nine patients (16.6%) had a score equal to or higher than 7, confirming the diagnosis of AR. The Chi-square test showed that AR was significantly associated with all the components of the questionnaire, except for cigarette smoking (P-value &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed the strong association of AR with some demographic factors. Allergic rhinitis could potentially increase the risk of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children.

Low vitamin D levels and frequencies of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children

ObjectiveTo evaluate the levels of vitamin D and the frequencies of regulatory T cells (%Tregs) in children undergoing adenotonsillectomies (T&As) and their controls. MethodsWe prospectively collected data from 130 children aged from 2 to 14 years old undergoing T&As and 60 undergoing unrelated elective procedures from November 1, 2015 to December 20, 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Demographic and disease specific data was obtained in addition to blood samples for the measurement of 25-hydroxy (OH)-vitamin D, interleukin-10 and %Tregs. ResultsAmong the 130 patients undergoing T&As who had 25(OH) vitamin D levels measured, 40.8% were vitamin D deficient (25(OH) vitamin D < 20 ng/mL), 42.3% were insufficient (20 ng/mL < 25(OH) vitamin D < 30 ng/mL), only 16.9% were sufficient (25(OH) vitamin D > 30 ng/mL). Compared with the control group, children undergoing adenotonsillectomies exhibited a significant decrease in the level of serum 25(OH) vitamin D and %Tregs (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). The level of 25(OH) vitamin D and % Tregs did not correlate to parameters like BMI, age, sex in the children undergoing T&As. The lower Vitamin D levels were related to higher OSA-18 scores (Pearson correlation, r = −0.476, p < 0.01), tonsil size (Spearman rank correlation, r = −0.563)and adenoid size (Spearman rank correlation, r = −0.291). In the different vitamin D concentration groups, the mean values of %Tregs were not equal (ANOVA, F = 7.389, p = 0.001). ConclusionChildren undergoing T&As have a lower level of 25(OH) vitamin D and %Tregs. Low 25(OH) vitamin D levels were related to higher OSA-18 scores and greater lymphoid tissue size rather than sex, age, increased BMI. Vitamin D and Treg cells are associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

Long-term Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on the Quality of Life of Children with Sleep-disordered breathing.

Introduction Adenotonsillectomy is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. The physical benefits of this surgery are well known as well as its impact on the quality of life (QoL), mainly according to short-term evaluations. However, the long-term effects of this surgery are still unclear. Objective To evaluate the long-term impact of adenotonsillectomy on the QoL of children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Method This was a prospective non-controlled study. Children between 3 and 13 years of age with symptoms of SDB for whom adenotonsillectomy had been indicated were included. Children with comorbities were excluded. Quality of life was evaluated using the obstructive sleep apnea questionnaire (OSA-18), which was completed prior to, 10 days, 6 months, 12 months and, at least, 18 months after the procedure. For statistical analysis, p -values lower than 0.05 were defined as statistically significant. Results A total of 31 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 5.2 years, and 16 patients were male. The OSA-18 scores improved after the procedure in all domains, and this result was maintained until the last evaluation, done 22 ± 3 months after the procedure. Improvement in each domain was not superior to achieved in other domains. No correlation was found between tonsil or adenoid size and OSA-18 scores. Conclusion This is the largest prospective study that evaluated the long-term effects of the surgery on the QoL of children with SDB using the OSA-18. Our results show adenotonsillectomy has a positive impact in children's QoL.

Correlations between obstructive sleep apnea and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children of different weight status

The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between OSA and adenotonsillar size in children of different weight status. A total of 451 patients aged 2–13 years with suspected OSA were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Correlations between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and adenotonsillar size in different weight status were investigated. The adenoidal/nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio of underweight children was significantly higher than that of normal-weight children (P = 0.027). Both adenoid and tonsil size were positively correlated with logAHI in children of normal weight (r = 0.210, P = 0.001; and r = 0.212, P = 0.001) but uncorrelated in the other groups. Gender (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.20, P = 0.043), obese (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10–3.40, P = 0.012), A/N ratio (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.28–1.88, P < 0.001) and tonsil size (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57, P < 0.001) were all associated with the severity of OSA. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy contributed to OSA in normal-weight children. In children of abnormal weight, instead of treatment for adenotonsillar hypertrophy, appropriate treatments for other factors are required.

Outcomes of Children with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated Nonsurgically: A Retrospective Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway and is commonly caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. Accordingly, adenotonsillectomy is considered first-line treatment. However, in cases of mild OSA, nonsurgical management has been proposed as an alternative. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of pediatric patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated without surgical intervention. Case series with chart review. Tertiary care university medical center. The medical records of children ages 2 to 18 years with OSA at Boston Medical Center from January 2000 to April 2017 were reviewed. Children with mild OSA (apnea- hypopnea index [AHI] between 1 and 5), who were managed nonsurgically and had serial polysomnograms, were included. Serial sleep studies were compared to assess for patterns of change. Of the 201 patients with mild OSA who were identified, 104 (52%) opted for initial nonsurgical management. Of those, 91 had a follow-up sleep study to reassess their OSA. Forty-two (46 %) had a greater than 20% decrease in AHI and 38 (41%) had a greater than 20% increase on the second sleep study. The remaining 11 had changes less than 20% in either direction. There was not a significant difference in the proportion of patients with an increase vs decrease in AHI on follow-up sleep study ( P > .05). Mild pediatric OSA has approximately equal chances of worsening or improvement over time without surgical intervention, which is useful for counseling parents on treatment options.

Is there an association between vitamin D deficiency and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children with sleep-disordered breathing?

BackgroundLow vitamin D levels have been linked to the risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. Although adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the major contributor to childhood SDB, the relationship between ATH and serum vitamin D is uncertain. We therefore investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and associated factors in children with ATH.MethodsWe reviewed data from all children with SDB symptoms who were treated from December 2013 to February 2014. Of these, 88 children whose serum vitamin D levels were measured were enrolled in the study. We divided the children into four groups based on adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. We conducted a retrospective chart review to analyze demographic data, the sizes of tonsils and adenoids, serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] level, body mass index (BMI), and allergen sensitization patterns.ResultsChildren in the ATH group had a lower mean 25(OH)D level than did those in the control group (p < 0.05). Children with vitamin D deficiencies exhibited markedly higher frequencies of adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy than did those with sufficient vitamin D (p < 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis identified an inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and age, tonsil and adenoid size, and height (all p < 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, tonsil and adenoid size as well as BMI-z score, were associated with 25(OH)D levels after controlling for age, sex, height, and mite sensitization (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggest that low vitamin D levels are linked to ATH. Both the sizes of the adenoids and tonsils and the BMI-z score were associated with the 25(OH)D level. Therefore, measurement of the serum 25(OH)D level should be considered in children with ATH and SDB symptoms.

Effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in improving of nocturnal enuresis in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is an old &amp; common childhood condition. It has been found that,there is a relationship between adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children &amp; nocturnal enuresis. This study was conducted to see the effects of adenotonsillectomy on nocturnal enuresis in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.This study was conducted in Diwaniyah teaching hospital,Diwaniyah city,Iraq from May 2012 to August 2014. The total number of children admitted for adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy alone were 287. 76 children out of the total number were included in the study. The children were followed by the same questionnaire for four months postoperatively,including,age,the number of night bed wettings,type of enuresis and the results of urine examinationof total 287 children who were submitted for surgery,76 children were eligible for the study,48 (63.16%) of the total number included in the study were males and 28 (36.84%) were females. The mean age was 7.2 years. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 64 children,and tonsillectomy in12 children. A complete improvement of nocturnal enuresis (NE) &amp; daytime incontinence was achieved in 32 (42.11%) children. A mild to moderateimprovement was observed in 38 (50%),while no improvement seen in the remaining 6 (7.89%) children postoperatively.Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is an old &amp; common childhood condition &amp; there is a relation between nocturnal enuresis in children &amp; adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Children with nocturnal enuresis should be evaluated by ENT surgeon to rule out any adenotonsillar hypertrophy for possible adenotonsillectomy effect. However,a wide base studies are needed to clarify these results.

Cor pulmonale in an unusual case of obstructive adenoid enlargement

Enlargement and infection of the adenoids and tonsils are associated with problems of otitis media, sinusitis, obstructive sleep disordered breathing, and alterations of facial growth. In addition, they may also lead to cardiopulmonary disorders in children. This report aims to highlight the cardiopulmonary sequelae in a child with obstructive adenoid enlargement and temporomandibular joint ankylosis in our practice. The child presented at 6 years of age with complaints of noisy breathing, blocked nose, mouth breathing, and loud snoring. Her condition deteriorated with frequent apneic attacks, easy fatigability, and swelling of the legs. The blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg, the jugular venous pressure was elevated, with displaced apex beat at the sixth left intercostal space, anterior axillary line, with parasternal heave. There were first and second heart sounds with a loud P2. The findings on electrocardiogram and echocardiogram confirmed a diagnosis of cor pulmonale secondary to severe obstructive adenotonsillar disease. A flexible nasopharyngoscopy revealed a bilateral grade IV adenoidal obstruction of the choanae. She was managed for heart failure and had emergency tracheostomy. Subsequently, she had endoscopic transnasal microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy. She has improved remarkably and on follow-ups at the ENT, pediatric, and MFU clinics. In conclusion, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale, even though rare, are possible complications of untreated adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children.

Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Pre-School Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Diagnostic Accuracy of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children.

Introduction Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is more common in children with sickle cell disease, and can lead to sleep-disordered breathing. Objectives To determine the frequency of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in pre-school children with sickle cell disease and assess the diagnostic accuracy of the sleep-disordered breathing subscale in the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Method Observational study with a group of 48 children with sickle cell disease and a control group of 35 children without the disease. The children underwent oropharingoscopy and video nasal endoscopy. The parents and/or guardians answered the questions of the subscale. Results Adenotonsillar hypertrophy was observed in 25% of the children in the study group, and in 20% of the children in the control group, with no statistical difference between the groups. The subscale score ranged from 3 to 11 in both groups. There was a statistical significance in the study group. The average was 4.79 (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.50), with 4.19 (SD ± 1.72) among the children without adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and 6.5 (SD ± 3.40) among the children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. There was also a statistical significance in the control group. The average was 5.23 (SD ± 2.81), with 4.44 (SD ± 2.2) among the children without adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and 7.87 (SD ± 2.89) among the children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Conclusion Adenotonsillar hypertrophy was not associated with sickle cell disease in pre-school children. The subscale of sleep-disordered breathing in the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children was a useful tool for the diagnostic suspicion of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children in this age group.

The impact of adenotonsillectomy on pulmonary arterial pressure in West African children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy

ObjectivesTo assess the improvement or otherwise, in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) among children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) after adenotonsillectomy (AT), and to examine the impact of timing of surgery as well as the patients' characteristics on the mPAP changes. MethodsWe included 39 children with ATH in this study. The adenoidal enlargement was evaluated radiologically with adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR) parameter from lateral neck radiograph, whereas the clinical assessment of adeno-tonsillar obstruction was conducted with the ‘symptom score’. Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) measurement was performed noninvasively by Doppler echocardiography. All patients underwent adenotonsillectomy (AT). After 6 weeks, they were subjected again to clinical and echocardiographic assessments, and the mean pulmonary arterial pressures (mPAP) were then compared. The mPAP changes after AT were further related to the grades of ANR, symptom scores, tonsillar size, and timing of AT. ResultsThe preoperative mPAP was 23.46 mmHg and was 18.98 mmHg post-operatively (P = 0.003). Seventeen of subjects (43.6%) had pulmonary hypertension (PH) (mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg) preoperatively, out of which 14 (82%) decreased to normal range 6 weeks after AT. Non-reversal of pulmonary hypertension was associated with ANR > 0.75 (P = 0.043), but was not related to the timing of surgery, tonsillar size, and symptom score. Significant reduction in mPAP was more likely with ANR ≤ 0.75 and pre-operative mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg. All the symptoms also improved significantly after AT. ConclusionElevated PAP due to ATH in children was mostly reversible by AT irrespective of the timing of surgery, symptom severity, and tonsillar size, but gross enlargement of adenoids seem to be associated with non-reversal of PH.

The association of residential mold exposure and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children living in damp environments

BackgroundThere are many consequences of mold exposure related to respiratory system health of children This retrospective cohort study aims to find the association between adenoid hypertrophy and mold exposure in children living in damp environments. MethodsChildren with history of recurrent respiratory tract infections were enrolled in the study between June 2012 and June 2013 and were followed up for adenoid hypertrophy from June 2013 to June 2016. One hundred and forty two children were residents of moldy houses and 242 were living in normal houses. Skin prick test results for 60 common allergens, vitamin D levels, IgE levels, age, presence of comorbidities such as urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, frequency of upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections, were evaluated in both groups. ResultsA total of 384 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 53.37 ± 36 months; 198 males and 186 females) were included. The children were classified into 2 groups (1)Children living normal houses (n = 242) (2); Children living in damp houses (n = 142) according to mold exposure. Children with adenoid hypertrophy (p < 0,001) and higher IgE levels (p < 0,001) were more common in mold exposed group. Lower respiratory tract infections were more common in children with mold exposure (p < 0,05). Bivariate correlation analysis showed no significant association between IgE levels and adenoid hypertrophy. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate IgE levels, vitamin D levels, and presence of adenoid as independent variables; age as dependent variable among two groups and was found statistically significant (p < 0,001). Dermatophagoid sensitive group living in damp houses had a significant increase in adenoid hypertrophy (p = 0,01). Housedustmite sensitive children with recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and upper respiratory tract infection were mainly residents of damp houses (p < 0,001). Allergic comorbidities were significantly more in damp environment group (p < 0,001), but there was no significant increase in any of the subgroups. ConclusionsChildren with mold exposure had significantly increased adenoid hypertrophy regardless of their atopic nature, however, they may have become more sensitized due to other environmental triggers and genetic factors. In damp environments, sensitization to dermatophagoids, was significantly increased in children with adenoid hypertrophy. During the period of infancy, when children were mostly vitamin D supplemented, they were not sensitized and had normal adenoids. As children with recurrent respiratory tract infections grow, they tend to have lower vitamin D levels, become more atopic and tend to have adenoid hypertrophy.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment Increases Serum Vitamin D Levels in Male Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Recent studies report a link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, low vitamin D levels, and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of 7-night continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on serum vitamin D, PTH, and calcium levels in patients with severe OSA syndrome. Patients with severe OSA were enrolled into the study and compared to control subjects. Patients with OSA underwent CPAP therapy for 7 nights and were consequently divided into responders (OSA-R, mean residual AHI < 5/h) and nonresponders (OSA-nR, mean residual AHI > 5/h). Serum vitamin D, PTH, and calcium levels were measured at baseline in patients with severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > 30/h) and control subjects. Patients with OSA underwent a final morning blood sample after 7-night CPAP therapy. We enrolled 90 patients with OSA into the study (65 OSA-R and 25 OSA-nR) compared to 32 control subjects. At baseline, lower vitamin D and higher PTH levels were detected in the OSA group compared to controls. After 7-night CPAP therapy, male OSA-R patients showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels. Conversely, female OSA-R patients did not show the same increase in vitamin D levels. It was also observed that OSA-nR subjects did not show modifications of serum markers after nCPAP-therapy. The study demonstrates that short-term nCPAP treatment is able to promote the recovery of vitamin D homeostasis in male patients with OSA. The mediation of sexual hormones in regulating vitamin D is a possible explanation of the lack of recovery of vitamin D homeostasis in female patients with OSA as it often affects postmenopausal women.

Expression of leukotriene biosynthetic enzymes in tonsillar tissue of children with obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective nonrandomized study.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) potentially promote adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Previous studies have identified CysLTs and their receptors in tonsillar tissue from children with OSA. To demonstrate expression of the leukotriene biosynthetic enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), leukotriene A(4) hydrolase (LTA(4)H), and leukotriene C(4) synthase (LTC(4)S) in T and B tonsillar lymphocytes from pediatric patients with OSA. It was hypothesized that children with OSA have greater expression of biosynthetic enzymes for CysLTs (5-LO, FLAP, and LTC(4)S) in their tonsillar tissue than do children with recurrent tonsillitis (RT), who were enrolled as controls. This prospective, nonrandomized study was performed at a tertiary care university hospital on 13 children with OSA and adenotonsillar hypertrophy undergoing adenotonsillectomy and 12 children without OSA also undergoing tonsillectomy for RT. Tonsillar tissue from children with OSA or RT was examined for 5-LO, FLAP, LTA(4)H, and LTC(4)S expression under real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), flow cytometry (FC), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CM). Expression of biosynthetic enzymes for CysLTs (5-LO, FLAP, and LTC(4)S) was the main outcome measure. Patients with OSA and control patients with RT were compared for numbers of copies of 5-LO, FLAP, and LTC(4)S messenger RNA (by RT-qPCR) in T or B tonsillar lymphocytes and proportions of CD3(+) or CD19(+) tonsillar lymphocytes that expressed 5-LO, FLAP, and LTC(4)S (by FC). Messenger RNA for all 4 enzymes was detected in T and B lymphocytes from both study groups, and expression of all biosynthetic enzymes was demonstrated in participants with OSA and RT by FC. Patients with OSA differed from controls in the proportions (median [10th-90th percentile]) of LTC(4)S(+) CD3(+) T lymphocytes (23.31% [8.64%-50.07%] vs 10.81% [3.48%-23.32%], respectively) (P = .01) and LTC(4)S(+) CD19(+) B lymphocytes (20.66% [14.62%-65.77%] vs 12.53% [2.87%-36.64%], respectively) (P = .01) detected by FC. Immunoreactivity for the 4 enzymes was detected by CM in B lymphocytes of mantle zones and T lymphocytes of extrafollicular areas. Leukotriene biosynthetic enzymes are expressed in tonsillar lymphocytes, and the previously reported detection of CysLTs in tonsillar tissue from children with OSA may be attributed to endogenous synthesis. Enhanced expression of LTC(4)S is a potential target for pharmacologic interventions in OSA.

Abstract 18004: Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Congenital Long QT Syndrome

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common health problem which affects about a quarter of US adults. OSA is increasingly linked to cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a common cause of SCD in children and young adults during exercise and sleep. LQT3 (SCN5A) and LQT2 (HERG) genotypes are particularly at increased risk for SCD during sleep. We tested the hypothesis that increased numbers of patients with congenital LQTS have OSA compared to controls matched for age gender and BMI. Methods: A complete medical history and a standard 12-lead surface ECG were obtained in LQTS and controls. Polysomnography (PSG) was conducted in 32 LQTS patients (20 LQT1 and 12 LQT2) and 40 controls matched for age, gender and BMI. Blinded interpretation of the sleep studies were carried out by a single investigator board certified in Sleep Medicine. OSA was defined by the presence of AHI ≥5 events/hour for adults (≥18 years) and &gt;1 event/hour for children (&lt;18 years). Results: The PSG results show that 16 LQTS patients (50%) have clinically significant OSA compared to 6 controls (15%) in the controls. There are 7 LQTS patients who have history of early childhood adenotonsillectomy and only 2 of them have OSA on the PSG results. Considering very close relationship between adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children and OSA, these children might have OSA in early childhood. Therefore, total 21 LQTS patients (65%) have OSA on the PSG and/or adenotonsillectomy. Presence of OSA is equally distributed in LQT1 and LQT2 genotypes. Conclusion: OSA is more common in patients with congenital LQTS compared to healthy matched controls. Apneic events during sleep are associated with exaggerated sympathetic responses which might be potential mechanisms for triggering arrhythmias and thus increased risk of SCD during sleep.