Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Abstract

Half of the children or fewer with symptoms suggestive of OSAS actually had the condition. Clinical symptoms may raise the suspicion, but it is not possible to establish the diagnosis without PSG. Because snoring and obstructive symptoms may resolve over time, a normal PSG finding may help the clinician decide on an observation period. Adenotonsillectomy is curative in most cases of pediatric OSAS. Obstructive symptoms may continue after adenoidectomy alone.

Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Outcome Evaluated by Pre‐ and Postoperative Polysomnography

“…In this study, the only predictor of a high preoperative AHI was large tonsillar size. This is consistent with the findings of previous studies 4,16 . Suen et al 4 reported that children with a respiratory disturbance index equal to or greater than 5 had significantly larger tonsils than children with a respiratory disturbance index less than 5.…”

Outcome of Adenotonsillectomy for Sleep and Breathing Difficulties in Nigerian Children with Obstructive Adenotonsillar Enlargement

“…The change in SS was equally correlated with preoperative tonsillar size. This is consistent with the findings of previous studies [11,12,18]. In one of the studies [11], it was reported that large tonsillar size was correlated significantly with a high preoperative apnea/ hypopnea index on polysomnography.…”

“…The snoring was thought to be lighter, however, and he was more alert in the daytime. The remaining 4 children that underwent AT continued to snore irregularly [18]. The results of the present study agree with the results of Nieminen et al [18] and confirm that caregivers report a significant improvement in obstructive problems of their children after they undergo adenotonsillectomy.…”

Outcome of Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children

“…It is reported that children under the age of 3 years may be at increased risk for residual upper airway obstruction after surgery. 9 In contrast to early studies, 13,17,24 persistent snoring at follow-up poorly correlated with persistent OSAS after adenotonsillectomy in the current study. Possibly, children without symptoms tend not to be brought back for postoperative PSG because they are judged to be well by their caregivers.…”