Evolution of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, nasal flow and systolic pressure of the pulmonary artery in children with indication for adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy over 18 months.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in childhood has aroused great interest due to its cardiovascular repercussions and its adverse effects on the quality of life of the affected individuals. However, fundamental aspects of the syndrome remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE: Herein we prospectively assessed pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and nasal flow in children with obstructive oral breathing with an indication for adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and their relationship to the obstructive apnea and hypopnea index (OAHI).

METHODS: Twenty-one children were evaluated at the time of the surgical indication (T0) and 18 months later (T1). Polysomnography, and rhinomanometry data were collected when we evaluated PASP.

RESULTS: Among the 21 children, 13 (61.9%) presented an altered OAHI at T0. Fourteen children (66.7%) underwent surgery. Of these, nine (64.3%) had an altered OAHI at T0 and seven (50.0%) at T1. Of the seven non-operated children, four (57.1%) had an altered OAHI at T0 and two (33.3%) at T1. Mean nasal flow increased in both groups independently of surgery (p- ≤ 0.001). PASP exhibited a significant reduction between T0 and T1 in the operated group (p ≤ 0.001). OAHI of the operated group did not show a significant decrease over time (p = 0.074). In the non-operated children, the average nasal flow increased (p < 0.001), the PASP values did not reduce (p = 0.99), and the OAHI increased and then decreased over time (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION: PASP decreased significantly and OAHI did not normalize in the operated group. Mean nasal airflow increased in the operated and non-operated groups.