Adenotonsillectomy In Children Research Articles

Neuropsychological functioning after adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea: A meta-analysis.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy (AT) for children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the improvement of their cognitive function. Studies on cognitive performance of OSAS children treated with or without AT were identified by searching the Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane library. A meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the literature. The random-effects model was used to evaluate 11 eligible studies using an inverse- variance method. The neuropsychological test results of 4 cognitive domains (general intelligence, memory, attention-executive function and verbal ability) were obtained and analyzed. By comparison of cognitive function between OSAS children and healthy controls, the effect sizes of each domain were achieved as follows: general intelligence,-0.5 (P<0.0001); memory,-0.18 (P=0.02); attention-executive function,-0.21 (P=0.002); and verbal ability,-0.48 (P=0.0006). The effect sizes of general intelligence, memory, attention-executive function, and verbal ability after AT compared to baseline level were-0.37 (P=0.008),-0.36 (P=0.0005),-0.02 (P=0.88), and-0.45 (P=0.009), respectively. Comparing the cognitive ability between OSAS children after AT and healthy controls showed that the effect sizes were-0.54 (P=0.0009),-0.24 (P=0.12),-0.17 (P=0.35), and-0.45 (P=0.009) in general intelligence, memory, attention-executive function, and verbal ability, respectively. Our results confirmed that OSAS children performed worse than healthy children in terms of the 4 cognitive domains investigated. After 6-12 months of observation, significant improvement in attention-executive function and verbal ability were found in OSAS children treated with AT compared to their baseline level; restoration of attention-executive function and memory were observed in OSAS children after AT in comparison to healthy controls. Further rigorous randomized controlled trials should be conducted to obtain definitive conclusions.

Revisits after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep-disordered breathing: A retrospective single-institution study.

To investigate emergency room (ER) revisits and hospital readmissions following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and correlations between SDB severity and ER revisits. Retrospective chart review study. Tertiary referral centre. 610 consecutive children underwent T&A for treating SDB. Sleep-disordered breathing severity was defined according to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) (primary snoring = AHI < 1; mild = AHI 1-5; moderate = AHI 5-10; and severe = AHI > 10). Revisit and readmission patterns within 30days of the surgery were extracted and analysed. Of these children (mean age = 7.2years; males = 72%), 49 (8.0%) had first ER revisit, nine (1.5%) had second ER revisits, and one (0.2%) had third ER revisits. Reasons for ER revisits were bleeding related (46%) or non-bleeding related (54%). The timing for revisits was 6.9±1.9 postoperative days for bleeding-related revisits and 9.3±10.0days for non-bleeding-related revisits. Treatment strategies during these revisits were treat and release in 44 children (74.6%), admission for observation in eight children (13.5%), and admission for surgery in seven children (11.9%). The incidence of ER revisit and hospital readmission was similar among children with all levels of SDB severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that young children (<3years) experienced an increased risk of non-bleeding-related revisits (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1). Children with severe SDB do not experience increased risks of revisit or readmission; however, young children are at increased risk of non-bleeding-related revisits.

The Efficacy of Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Objective Determine the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy in children with Down syndrome. Data Sources Databases included PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. The search was inclusive of all references available through January 5, 2017. Review Methods A systematic review of the medical literature addressing adenotonsillectomy in treating obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data were pooled using a random-effects model where possible. The quality of studies was graded using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies criteria. Results Of the 957 articles screened, 5 met inclusion for the qualitative analysis and 3 met criteria for the quantitative analysis. The findings of the qualitative analysis were that adenotonsillectomy has a positive effect on children with Down syndrome but in many cases is noncurative, up to 75% need postoperative breathing support, there is a high rate of immediate postoperative airway needs, and there is no change in sleep efficiency or architecture. The articles consistently reported moderate success in improving polysomnographic parameters, and limited pooling of the data demonstrated a mean decrease of the apnea-hypopnea index by 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46%-55%). Conclusion A 51% reduction in the preoperative apnea-hypopnea index can be expected with the intervention of adenotonsillectomy alone in children with Down syndrome. This information is useful for counseling and managing patient and family expectations. It also serves as a reminder to clinicians to obtain a postoperative sleep study, as many of these patients will need nighttime airway support or secondary sleep surgery.

Red cell distribution width as a novel predictor of postoperative respiratory adverse events after adenotonsillectomy.

Respiratory adverse events are commonly observed after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep-disordered breathing. Preoperative prediction of these events enhances quality of care and resource management in facilities while encouraging precautions against them. Red cell distribution width, a measure of erythrocyte size variability, has recently been linked to adverse outcomes in a variety of disorders. Red cell distribution width has also been found to be associated with severity of obstructive sleep apnea in adults due to hypoxia-mediated inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether elevated red cell distribution width is associated with postoperative respiratory adverse events in children with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. A prospective, observational, assessor-blinded study was conducted with consecutive children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. Under general anesthesia, adenoidectomy was performed by curettage, and tonsillectomy was carried out by dissection. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an adverse event during emergence or in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Among 287 patients, with mean ± sd age 7.49 ± 3.21, the frequency of respiratory complications during emergence was 62 (22.30%) and in PACU was 56 (20.14%). Mean ± sd red cell distribution width was 14.36 ± 1.06 in patients with complications and higher than that in those without complications 13.53 ± 0.59. Red cell distribution width had an adjusted odds ratio 7.28 (95% CI: 4.30-13.28) and area under the curve value 0.74 (95% CI: 0.67-0.81) to predict postoperative complications. A cutoff value for red cell distribution width was found to be 14.7. Our study showed that preoperative elevated red cell distribution width is associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse events in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing.

Tracheal extubation practices following adenotonsillectomy in children: effects on operating room efficiency between two institutions.

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed operative procedures in children. It is imperative to find the most efficient and cost-effective methods of practice to facilitate operating room management while maintaining patient safety. We investigated the efficiency of two different approaches of tracheal extubation in pediatric patients following adenotonsillectomy at two tertiary care pediatric hospitals with large surgical volumes. The primary aim of the study was to determine the difference in the operating room time according to the institutional practice of tracheal extubation in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) as compared to the operating room. After obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed over a 12-month period at two large, tertiary care children's hospitals including the first hospital, where patients undergo tracheal extubation in the operating room after completion of the surgical procedure and a second hospital, where patients are brought directly to the PACU and undergo tracheal extubation in the PACU by nurses, with immediate availability of the pediatric anesthesiology faculty. Patients ≤12 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease or scheduled for recovery in the critical care unit were excluded. Patient demographics, total time in the operating room, surgical time, total time in the PACU, and, when applicable, time until tracheal extubation, were noted. The study cohort included 672 patients from the first hospital and 700 patients from the second hospital. Average operating room time was 17 min shorter at the first hospital than at the other, with most of the difference due to a reduction in the time between surgery end and transport from the operating room. PACU times were also 26 min shorter at the first hospital than at the second children's hospital. Tracheal extubation in the PACU is an efficient use of operating room time and resources.

Influence of dietary and physical activity restriction on pediatric adenotonsillectomy postoperative care in Brazil: a randomized clinical trial

IntroductionAlthough culturally food and physical activity restriction are part of the routine postoperative care of many Brazilian surgeons, current evidences from other countries support no such recommendations. ObjectiveTo determine whether dietary and physical restriction effectively lead to a decrease on postoperative complications of adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to no restriction. MethodsWe have designed a randomized clinical trial comparing two intervention: no specific counseling on diet or activity (Group A), and restriction recommendations on diet and physical activities (Group B). Caregivers completed a questionnaire on observed pain, diet and activity patterns, and medications administered. Parameters were compared at the 3rd and at the 7th postoperative day between intervention groups. ResultsWe have enrolled a total of 95 patients, 50 in Group A and 45 in Group B. Fourteen patients were lost to follow up. Eventually, 41 patients in group A and 40 in Group B were available for final analysis. Mean age in months (A=79.5; SD=33.9/B=81.1; SD=32.6) and sex (A=58% male; B=64.4% male) were equivalent between groups. Pain, evaluated through visual analog scale in the 3rd (A=2.0; IQR 1–6/B=4.5; IQR 2–6; p=0.18) and in the 7th (A=1.0; IQR 1.0–4.5/B=2.0; IQR 1.0–4.7; p=0.29) postoperative days, was not different between groups, as was the amount of analgesics administered. Dietary and physical activity patterns also showed no statistically significant differences between groups. ConclusionDietary and activity restriction after adenotonsillectomy does not seem to affect patients’ recovery. Such information may impact considerably on the social aspects that involve a tonsillectomy, reducing the working days lost by parents and accelerating the return of children to school.

Predictors of failure of DISE-directed adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep disordered breathing

BackgroundAdenotonsillectomy (AT) is the most commonly performed procedure for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in pediatrics. However, 20-40% of patients will have persistent signs and symptoms of SDB after AT. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has the potential to individualize surgical treatments and avoid unnecessary or unsuccessful surgeries. The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of failure of DISE-directed adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in otherwise healthy children with SDB.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a prospective database of children who presented with SDB. All patients underwent preoperative pulse oximetry (PO), followed by DISE with T ± A, The variables documented included demographics, ethnicity, co-morbidities, family history, McGill Oximetry Score (MOS) on PO, as well as findings of collapse and or obstruction on DISE and symptom resolution based on modified Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The primary outcome was the independent predictors of treatment failure based on multivariate binary logistic regression.ResultsThree hundred eighty-two patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Based on post-operative modified PSQ, SDB resolved in 259 patients (68%), whereas 123 (32%) had persistent symptoms. On bivariate analysis, neuropsychiatric diagnosis (r = 0.286, p = 0.042), history of sleepwalking or enuresis (r = 0.103, p = 0.044), MOS (r = 0.123, p = 0.033), presence of DNS (r = 0.107, p = 0.036), and presence of laryngomalacia (r = 0.122, p = 0.017) all positively correlated with treatment failure. Small tonsil size on DISE correlated with treatment failure (r = −0.180, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age greater than 7 years (OR = 1.799, [95% CI 1.040–3.139], p = 0.039), obesity (OR = 2.032, [95% CI 1.043–3.997], p = 0.040), chronic rhinitis (OR = 1.334, [95% CI 1.047–1.716], p = 0.025), deviated nasal septum (OR = 1.745, [95% CI 1.062–2.898], p = 0.031) and tonsil size (OR = 0.575, [95% CI 0.429–0.772], p < 0.01) as independent predictors of treatment failure.ConclusionsObese, asthmatic, and children older than seven years are at increased risk of treatment failure after DISE-directed AT. Several DISE findings can independently predict AT failure, including tonsil size, degree of chronic rhinitis, and the presence of a deviated nasal septum, and can be addressed at a second stage. Further research is needed into the role of DISE in surgically naïve patients with SDB, and to compare DISE-directed surgery with the current standard of care.

A comparative study of coblation assissted adenotonsillectomy and cold dissection adenotonsillectomy in children

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of the present study was to compare intraoperative blood loss, operative duration and postoperative pain between coblation-assisted adenotonsillectomy and cold dissection adenotonsillectomy in children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A prospective, randomized, single-blind trial of pediatric patients aged 7 to 13 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy was conducted. Patients were randomized to undergo either cold dissection or coblation-assisted adenotonsillectomy. Measured intraoperative parameters included surgical duration and intraoperative blood loss. Measured postoperative parameters included a daily pain rating using the visual analog scale on the postoperative evening, postoperative day 1 and day 7. Intraoperative and postoperative measures were statistically compared between the two groups&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Sixty children were randomized and included in the study. 30 patients underwent cold dissection adenotonsillectomy and 30 coblation-assisted adenotonsillectomy. Mean age was 8.7 years in the coblation group and 9.1 years in the cold dissection group. Intraoperative blood loss was lower for the coblation assisted adenotonsillectomy group versus the cold dissection adenotonsillectomy group which was proved statistically (mean bleeding was 16.67 in coblation group and 58.67 in cold dissection group and p value &amp;lt;0.0001).There was statistically no significant difference in the mean pain scores in the 2 groups in the postoperative evening and on postoperative day 1. The mean pain scores on postoperative day 7 were found to be 3.4 in the coblation group and 2.47 in the cold dissection group with a significant p value of 0.0087. The average duration of surgery in the coblation group was 55.6 minutes as against 34.1 minutes in the cold dissection group. The p- value was found to be less than 0.0001 which makes the difference statistically significant&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; This study found that the intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in Coblation adenotonsillectomy than in cold dissection adenotonsillectomy. The duration of surgery in Coblation assisted adenotonsillectomy is significantly greater than the duration of surgery in cold dissectionadenotonsillectomy. While the postoperative pain scores are similar with coblation and cold dissection adenotonsillectomy in the early postoperative period, it is significantly more with coblation in the late postoperative period&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Obstructive sleep apnea and asthma.

Both asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common conditions involving the adults and children population, and have significant impact on the healthcare system. For the last few decades a lot of data emerged in terms of the prevalence between asthma and OSA. The prevalence ranges from 38% up to as high as 70%. Based on the current concepts of bidirectional relationship of OSA and asthma, it is sensible to assume that treating one disorder will result in the other's better control and vice versa. This review will look into the pathogenesis of concomitant OSA and asthma and whether the first line OSA therapy will result in better control of asthma in patients with concomitant OSA. There is growing evidence that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in adults and adenotonsillectomy in children which are recommended as first line treatment of OSA can improve their asthma symptoms. However, further confirmation is necessary with larger randomized control trials to further evaluate both conditions and the treatment effects.

The safety and efficacy of pediatric lingual tonsillectomy

ObjectiveLingual tonsillar hypertrophy is recognized as a cause of persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy in children. However, little has been reported regarding the complications, postoperative course and effectiveness of lingual tonsillectomy (LT). Our objective was to review the safety and effectiveness of LT in children. MethodsRetrospective review of children undergoing LT from January 2009 to December 2015 at a tertiary children's hospital. Complications, postoperative course and polysomnographic (PSG) outcomes were recorded for all patients. ResultsWe identified 92 children (mean age = 8.6 years, 50% female) who underwent LT; 43.5% had a syndromic diagnosis. The most common complications were emergency department presentation for bleeding (4.4%) and poor oral intake (3.3%). The readmission rate was 4.4% including 2 children (2.2%) who required operative control of hemorrhage. No children required unplanned reintubation or ICU admission. In children with PSG data (n = 18), the median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 8.5 to 3.8 events/hour (p = 0.022) and the median obstructive AHI (oAHI) decreased from 8.3 to 3.1 events/hour (p = 0.021). In addition, the oxygen saturation nadir increased from 83.8% to 89.0% (p = 0.0007). After surgery the percentage of patients with oAHI<5 events/hour increased from 27.8% to 61.1% (p = 0.08). ConclusionsReadmission and bleeding rates after lingual tonsillectomy in children were similar to that seen with tonsillectomy. Polysomnographic data showed that lingual tonsillectomy resulted in a significant reduction of both AHI and oAHI with a postoperative oAHI <5 achieved in 61% of patients.

Adenoidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children.

Adenotonsillectomy is the recommended treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Since adenoidectomy alone may be associated with significantly lower morbidity, mortality, and cost, we aimed to investigate whether adenoidectomy alone is a reasonable and appropriate treatment for children with OSA. Five-hundred fifteen consecutive children diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > 5) based on polysomnography and who underwent adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy were reevaluated after 17-73 months (mean 41) for residual or recurrent OSA using a validated questionnaire (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, PSQ). Failure of OSA resolution was defined as a positive mean PSQ score ≥ 0.33. Contribution of age, obesity, tonsil size, and OSA severity at baseline to adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy failure was examined. Positive PSQ score occurred in 15% of the entire sample and was not influenced by age or gender. No difference in failure rate was observed between adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy for children who were not obese with apnea-hypopnea index < 10 and had small tonsils (< 3). Children with apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 10 and/or tonsil size ≥ 3 showed a higher failure rate after adenoidectomy compared to adenotonsillectomy (20% versus 9.8%, p = 0.028). We suggest that subjective, long term outcomes of adenoidectomy are comparable to those of adenotonsillectomy in non-obese children under 7 years old with moderately OSA and small tonsils. Hence, adenoidectomy alone is a reasonable option in some children. Future prospective randomized studies are warranted to define children who may benefit from adenoidectomy alone and those children in whom adenoidectomy alone is unlikely to succeed.

Effects of Adenotonsillectomy on Serum Levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 and Growth Indices in Children with Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy or Recurrent Tonsillitis.

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) may present with growth retardation. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mediates the anabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) on tissues. Most of the circulating IGF-1 molecules are bound to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels reflect the levels of daily mean serum GH and are used as indices for evaluating the serum level of GH. This study aimed to determine the effect of adenotonsillectomy on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in patients with ATH or recurrent tonsillitis. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on growth indices such as weight and height. A total of 100 randomly selected children with a diagnosis of ATH or recurrent tonsillitis with a mean age of 10.2 ± 1.4 years (range, 3-17 years) were enrolled in the intervention group. Of those, 53 were boys and 47 were girls. The control group included 100 healthy children (62 boys and 38 girls) with a mean age of 8.5 ± 1.5 years (range, 4-15 years). Growth indices such as weight and height were measured and documented at the time of surgery and 6 months after the operation. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and repeated 6 months after adenotonsillectomy. The coated-tube immunoradiometric (IRMA) method was used to measure IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels. Postoperative IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels as well as weight and height showed were significantly greater in comparison with preoperative measurements in both the intervention and control groups (P<0.001). At the end of study, the intervention group showed significantly greater changes from baseline in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels, weight, and height in comparison with the control group (P< 0.001). This study shows that adenotonsillectomy in children with ATH or recurrent tonsillitis increases IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in comparison with preoperative levels by affecting the GH-IGF-1 axis, and subsequently leads to a faster increase in growth indices compared with healthy peers during the same period.

Long-term effects of adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea: protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionAdenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most important anatomical factor associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adenotonsillectomy as the first line of treatment. AT...

Outcome of adenotonsillectomy in children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnoea

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcome of adenotonsillectomy (AT) in a cohort of children with Down syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).DesignRetrospective, cross-sectional study.SettingTertiary care centre.PatientsChildren with DS and OSA, without...

The Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Growth in Prepubertal Children

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children,1 and the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were at least 1–3% in children.2 Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is often associated with loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and daytime mouth breathing. Complications of SDB may include failure to thrive, nocturnal enuresis, sweating during sleep, reduced neurocognition, behavioral problem, and school performances.3-5 Several possible mechanisms for failure to thrive have been assessed. Interruption of the insulin-like growth factor-I axis secondary to abnormal nocturnal growth hormone secretion,6 low caloric intake caused by poor appetite and dysphagia,7 recurrent tonsillitis,8 and high energy expenditure as a consequence of increased work of breathing during sleep9 had been proposed as causes. Also many studies had suggested and proved that growth failures were improved after adenotonsillectomy in children with ATH.10-12 On the other hand, obesity could be one of the risk factor for SDB in children.13 There were few studies about the effect of adenotonsillectomy in obesity children, instead it was reported that children who undergo adenotonsillectomy could be at risk to develop overweight in the years after surgery.14 The effect of SDB and adenotonsillectomy on children might be different according to the growth status, but little is known in this aspect. Received: June 8, 2016 Revised: June 17, 2016 Accepted: June 20, 2016

Immediate and Sustained Improvement in Behavior and Life Quality by Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

ObjectivesTo investigate longitudinal changes in behavior and quality-of-life (QoL) in children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) after adenotonsillectomy (AT).MethodsThis study prospectively enrolled 148 children who underwent AT for SDB. Caregivers filled out Korean attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scale (K-ARS) and Korean version of the obstructive sleep apnea-18 (KOSA-18) at preoperative 1 day, postoperative 1 month, and postoperative 6 months. Longitudinal changes in K-ARS and KOSA-18 were evaluated and compared among subgroups.ResultsBoth K-ARS and KOSA-18 scores improved immediately at postoperative 1 month and were maintained at postoperative 6 months. The mean preoperative K-ARS scores of the non-ADHD, ADHD-trait, and overt-ADHD groups showed uniformly immediate and sustained improvements. Also, the mean preoperative KOSA-18 scores of the small, moderate, and large impact groups were significantly improved both at postoperative 1 month and 6 months. The changes in behavior and QoL showed no significant differences with regard to the aforementioned factors.ConclusionAfter AT, we may expect immediate and sustained improvements in behavior and QoL in children with SDB regardless of preoperative symptom severity. Moreover, by performing AT, improvements in behavior and QoL are expected regardless of sex, age, allergic trait, or concurrent coblation-assisted turbinoplasty. These findings may help our colleague physicians counselling pediatric SDB patients and their caregivers.

Is it safe to perform adenotonsillectomy in children with Down syndrome?

This retrospective review aims to evaluate the postoperative morbidity and mortality of 30 patients with Down syndrome who underwent adenotonsillectomy between June 2012 and December 2015 in a tertiary referral center. Mean age was 7.8 with a range of 3-12. There were 20 (66.6%) male and ten (33.3%) female patients. Mean follow-up was 23months with a range of 7-43months. 23 (76.6%) of 30 patients had been operated due to obstructive tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy, whereas seven (23.3%) of them operated for chronic recurrent infections. All of the patients had undergone adenotonsillectomy operation; one patient had also bilateral tympanostomy tube insertion. Hospital stay was noted 1.3days in average with a range of 1-3days. Anesthetic complications of persistent bradycardia and postextubation respiratory difficulty occurred in two (6.6) patients. Patient who had intraoperative bradycardia necessitated intensive care unit stay and pacemaker implantation during follow-up. 3 (10%) patients had late onset hemorrhage between days 7 and 10 and required intraoperative bleeding control. We did not experience any other morbidity and mortality except the abovementioned ones. In conclusion, adenotonsillectomy in patients with Down syndrome is a worthwhile operation with certain risks and these operations should better be performed by the tertiary referral centers which have the capacity to deal with the complications.

Risk factors for residual obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy in children.

To determine the prevalence of residual obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children who had adenotonsillectomy (AT) and to identify the risk factors for residual OSA after AT. Retrospective chart review. Children with OSA who had AT at a tertiary care children's hospital were reviewed. Data pertaining to demographics, past medical history, body mass index, tonsil and adenoid size, and polysomnography were obtained. Residual OSA was defined as apnea hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 2. The rate of residual OSA and risk factors for residual OSA were assessed. One hundred sixty-nine children with OSA underwent polysomnography before and after AT. The prevalence of residual OSA was 38%. The prevalence of residual OSA in obese patients (49%) was higher than that of nonobese patients (27%) (P = .02). Patients with neurological/developmental/craniofacial abnormalities had higher prevalence of residual OSA (44%) than patients without comorbidities (33%) (P < .05). The prevalence of residual OSA in patients with severe OSA (42%) was higher than patients with moderate (29%) or mild OSA (0%) (P = .03). Teenage patients (67%) had a higher prevalence of residual OSA than toddlers (27%), preschooler (33%), and middle childhood groups (29%) (P = .03). The majority of children had improvement in OSA after AT. The choice of AHI threshold used to define residual OSA influenced the prevalence of residual OSA. Teenagers and children with obesity, comorbidities including neurological/developmental/craniofacial abnormalities alone or in combination with asthma, or severe OSA have a high risk of residual OSA. 4 Laryngoscope, 126:2624-2629, 2016.

Changes in intracuff pressure of cuffed endotracheal tubes while positioning for adenotonsillectomy in children.

When using cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs), changes in head and neck position can lead to changes in intracuff pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of neck extension, shoulder roll placement, and Crowe-Davis retractor use during adenotonsillectomy on the intracuff pressure of cETTs in children. Patients <18 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia following the placement of a cETT were included in the study. After inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, using the leak test, baseline intracuff pressure was recorded and then continuously monitored. After neck extension, placement of a shoulder roll, insertion of the Crow-Davis retractor, suspension from a Mayo stand, and positioning for surgery, the intracuff pressure was recorded again. The study cohort included 84 patients, ranging in age from 0.9 to 17 years (5.7 ± 3.9 years). In 46 patients (54.8%), the intracuff pressure increased from baseline after positioning for adenotonsillectomy. In 12 of these patients (14.3%), the intracuff pressure was >30 cm H2O. The intracuff pressure decreased in 28 patients (33.3%), while no change was noted in 10 patients (11.9%). Overall, the general trend was an increase in intracuff pressure from 15.9 ± 7.8 cm H2O to 18.9 ± 11.6 cm H2O. Both increases and decreases in the intracuff pressure may occur following positioning of the pediatric patient for adenotonsillectomy. An increase in intracuff pressure may result in a higher risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa. A decrease in the intracuff pressure can result in an air leak resulting in inadequate ventilation, increased risk of aspiration, and even predispose to airway fire if oxygen-enriched gases are used. Continuous intracuff pressure monitoring or rechecking the intracuff pressure after positioning for adenotonsillectomy may be indicated.

Biological plausibility linking sleep apnoea and metabolic dysfunction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common disorder that affects 10-25% of the general population. In the past two decades, OSA has emerged as a cardiometabolic risk factor in both paediatric and adult populations. OSA-induced metabolic perturbations include dyslipidaemia, atherogenesis, liver dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism. The mainstay of treatment for OSA is adenotonsillectomy in children and continuous positive airway pressure therapy in adults. Although these therapies are effective at resolving the sleep-disordered breathing component of OSA, they do not always produce beneficial effects on metabolic function. Thus, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which OSA influences metabolic dysfunction might yield improved therapeutic approaches and outcomes. In this Review, we summarize the evidence obtained from animal models and studies of patients with OSA of potential mechanistic pathways linking the hallmarks of OSA (intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation) with metabolic dysfunction. Special emphasis is given to adipose tissue dysfunction induced by sleep apnoea, which bears a striking resemblance to adipose dysfunction resulting from obesity. In addition, important gaps in current knowledge and promising lines of future investigation are identified.