Efficacy of adenotonsillectomy on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and related outcomes: A narrative review of current evidence
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
Journal Volume
123
Journal Issue
5
Start Page
540
End Page
550
Date Issued
2024-05
Author(s)
Kang, Kun-Tai
Abstract
This review summarizes the current evidence in systematic reviews, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials regarding adenotonsillectomy outcomes in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Adenotonsillectomy is effective in treating OSA in children without co-morbidities, despite postoperative residual OSA remained in roughly half of these children. For children with comorbidities such as Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, sickle cell disease, or cerebral palsy, adenotonsillectomy is less effective and associated with more postoperative complications than that in children without comorbidities. For other OSA-related outcomes, evidence from meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials confirm adenotonsillectomy results in improvement of subjective OSA-related outcomes (e.g. symptoms, behaviors, and quality of life), but the results in objective OSA-related outcomes (e.g. cardiometabolic parameters or neurocognitive functions) are inconsistent. Future studies should focus on randomized controlled trials comparing objective OSA-related outcomes and the long-term effects of adenotonsillectomy in children with OSA.
Subjects
Adenotonsillectomy; Cardiovascular diseases; Neurocognitive disorders; Polysomnography; Quality of life
SDGs
Type
review article