Obese Children With Sleep Disorders May Be Helped, But Not Cured, By Surgery

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Surgical interventions for many obese children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may not cure the problem, says new research presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL.

Obese children are at increased risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that is associated with a decreased quality of life as well as behavioral, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and psychiatric complications.

The standard therapy for children with this condition is removal of the tonsils and adenoid tissue. The study authors reviewed the literature and combined the results of four studies on obese children with obstructive sleep apnea who had a sleep study before and after undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Their findings reveal that obese children may be helped, but are unlikely to be completely cured of obstructive sleep apnea after removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

The authors concluded that persistent obstructive sleep apnea after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy should be carefully evaluated and treated to avoid further complications of the disease.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Title: Tonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Children Presenters: Dary J. Costa, MD; Ron B. Mitchell, MD

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org/), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

Source: Jessica Mikulski
American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery