Long-term changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children

OBJECTIVE: To study long-term changes in behavior after actenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) III children. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective Study at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque, NM. METHODS: Children with polysomnography-proven OSAS underwent adenotonsillectomy. The Behavior Assessment System I I or Children (BASC) was completed before surgery, within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after Surgery. Scores were compared using a paired t test. A P value <= 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study Population included 23 children. Preoperative mean BASC T scores were > 50. Children showed significant improvement after adenotonsillectomy in aggression, atypicality, depression, hyperactivity, and somatization within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery (P : 0.05). The differences within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers reportabnomalities in the behavior of children with OSAS. Behavioral abnormalities improve significantly after adenotonsillectomy and are maintained in the long-term. EBM rating: C-4 (c) 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.