Long‐Term Changes in Behavior after Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children

OBJECTIVE: To study long-term changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in 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 for 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 < or =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 < or = 0.05). The differences within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers report abnormalities in the behavior of children with OSAS. Behavioral abnormalities improve significantly after adenotonsillectomy and are maintained in the long-term. EBM RATING: C-4.