The Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on Sleep and Behavior of Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATHt) is a common cause of chronic airway obstruction (UAO) in children and may cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Surgical correction in the form of Adenotonsillectomy (AdTyb) may significantly improve the sleep and behavior patterns of children, and enhance their quality of life. To test the effect of adenotonsillectomy on sleep and behavioral disorders in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Prospective observational study; children ≤ 14 years diagnosed with symptomatic adenotonsillar hypertrophy planned for surgery were included. Parents were asked to complete Connor’s revised parent rating scale and Children’s sleep habit questionnaire pre-operatively and 3 months after surgery. This was done to evaluate the children’s sleep habits, disturbances and behavior. A total of 77 children were included in the study. The age range was 4 – 14 years. Fifty-two were male and rest, female. There was a significant reduction in Sleep score after surgery (mean pre-operative sleep score 51.3 ± 8.9 vs. post-operative 37.29 ± 7.1; p value < 0.001). Similarly, there was a statistically significant improvement in the behaviour score also after surgery (mean pre-operative behavior score 28.96 ± 9.8 vs. post-operative 23.13 ± 7.9; p value < 0.001). The sleep and behaviour scores were not related to the age or gender of the participants. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy causes documentable sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea leading to neurobehavioral issues in children. The standard of care is surgery which leads to significant improvement in these aspects and quality of life.