Risk of Failure of Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Pediatric Patients

Pediatric obesity is a leading risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition commonly treated with adenotonsillectomy (T&A).It has been hypothesized that obesity increases a child's risk of failing T&A for OSA, however this relationship has not yet been quantified.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity as measured by perioperative Body Mass Index (BMI) and persistent OSA following T&A as measured by polysomnography (PSG).Methods: We recruited both obese and non-obese patients to compare caregiver/self reported improvement.Obese patients were recruited from a weight management clinic and included if they had a BMI z-score >1.65 and had pre-and post-operative polysomnograms (PSGs).Control patients included those undergoing T&A for OSA at our institution with BMI 3. Further studies are required to further elucidate this relationship and investigate the role of additional procedures in the initial management of OSA in obese children.