Lung Mechanics and Breathing Pattern During Wakefulness and Sleep in Children with Enlarged Tonsils

Thirteen children (mean age, 45 months) with nocturnal symptoms of upper airway obstruction, the result of enlarged tonsils, were tested during wakefulness (W) and sleep (S) induced by chloral hydrate (less than or equal to 50 mg/kg). During W, lung mechanics, blood gas, breathing pattern, and airflows during tidal breathing were in the normal range. During S, total lung resistance increased significantly, and dynamic lung compliance and transcutaneous PO2 decreased significantly. During S, the tidal volume (VT) and the mean inspiratory flow, normalized for body weight (BW), decreased whereas the ratio of the inspiratory time (TI) over the total duration of the respiratory cycle (TTOT) rose, indicating a longer contraction time of the respiratory muscles. The time to reach peak inspiratory flow, measured as a percentage of TI (dTI/TI), increased in seven children, with no change in the ratio of the expiratory flow over the inspiratory flow, both measured at 50% of VT (EF50/IF50). In three other patients dTI/TI decreased with an increase in EF50/IF50. We conclude that in children with enlarged tonsils, S modified lung mechanics, gas exchange, and the inspiratory components of the breathing pattern and airflow.