Key result
Adolescent bariatric surgery is linked to a ~74% reduction in oAHI.
Why the study?
The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity is increasing in adolescents, motivating evaluation of the incidence, characteristics, and effects of bariatric surgery on OSA.
Does bariatric surgery improve obstructive sleep apnea and BMI in adolescents?
Cohort (n=107)
No
Does bariatric surgery improve obstructive sleep apnea and BMI in adolescents?
In adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery, there is a high baseline prevalence of OSA, and surgery leads to significant improvements in both BMI and apnea-hypopnea index.
Supports bariatric surgery in obese adolescents with OSA; extends adult evidence but is hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Objectives The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity is both increasing in adolescents. Bariatric surgery is well‐established for treating obesity in adolescents and is effective in treating obesity and other comorbid conditions. The primary objective was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of OSA in adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery. Secondary objectives were to evaluate outcomes based on prior T&A and assess the effects of bariatric surgery on OSA. Methods Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care pediatric hospital of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery between 2013 and 2021. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, preoperative polysomnogram (PSG) data, history of T&A, and date of bariatric surgery. Patients without a PSG were excluded. We used standard definitions of OSA in children. Results We identified 107 patients with an average age of 16.8 (SD: 1.10) and an average BMI of 47.6 (7.0). Incidence of OSA was 84% and mean oAHI was 12.1. Prior T&A showed no significant difference in OSA prevalence or severity. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in BMI z ‐score at 12 months (3.2–2.1; p = 0.01). A total of 15 patients had a postoperative PSG, with a significant decrease in oAHI (43.3–11.3; p = 0.01). Regression analysis found no association between the degree of weight loss and reduction in oAHI. Conclusion There is a high rate of OSA in adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery. Prior T&A did not affect the incidence and severity of OSA. Adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery are at high risk for OSA. Bariatric surgery can lead to a significant decrease in BMI and AHI.
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Chapel et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (n=107). Bariatric surgery was evaluated on Incidence of OSA. Bariatric surgery in adolescents was associated with an 84% baseline incidence of OSA and led to a significant decrease in oAHI from 43.3 to 11.3 (p=0.01) in those with postoperative testing.
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