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Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on Behavior in Children With Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Author(s) -
Li HsuehYu,
Huang YuShu,
Chen NingHung,
Fang TuanJen,
Lee LiAng
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000217542.84013.b5
Subject(s) - sleep disordered breathing , medicine , tonsillectomy , breathing , checklist , hypopnea , obstructive sleep apnea , apnea , child behavior checklist , sleep apnea , pediatrics , anesthesia , physical therapy , audiology , polysomnography , clinical psychology , psychology , cognitive psychology
Objectives/Hypothesis: Children with sleep‐disordered breathing may experience behavioral and learning problems such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of adenotonsillectomy on sleep‐related adverse events and behavioral problems in children with sleep‐disordered breathing. Method: This prospective and interventional study enrolled 40 sleep‐disordered breathing children (mean age, 8.4 ± 1.6 years) with hypertrophic tonsils and adenoids. All patients completed two polysomnographies, tests of variables of attention (TOVAs), and Child Behavior Checklists, one at baseline and the other 6 months after adenotonsillectomy. Results: The apnea–hypopnea index ( P < .001), TOVA scores ( P < .001), and 8 of 9 individual domains of the Child Behavior Checklist scores ( P < .05) significantly improved after surgery. However, the change in the apnea–hypopnea index was not negatively correlated with TOVA score (r = −0.17, P = .38). Conclusion: Adenotonsillectomy could significantly improve behavior (TOVA) scores, but the improvement may not simply be attributable to changes in sleep apnea events.