Validation of a clinical assessment score for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing

Exploring the Association Between Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and quality of life (QOL).

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

Patients aged 2-18 years being evaluated for OSA were recruited from a pediatric otolaryngology clinic and sleep center. Participants completed the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Questionnaire (OSA-18) and the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Score (MFS).

RESULTS

Responses of 18 control participants without OSA, 26 participants with clinically resolved OSA, 19 with non-obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB), 29 with mild OSA, 21 with moderate OSA, and 27 with severe OSA were analyzed. OSA-18 scores for controls were lower (indicating higher QOL) than patients with SDB (mean difference [MD] = -31.1; 95% CI -42.7 to -19.5), mild OSA (MD = -30.4; 95% CI -40.1 to -20.7), moderate OSA (MD = -23.6; 95% CI -34.5 to -12.7), or severe OSA (MD = -40.1; 95% CI -50.0 to -30.2). Participants with resolved OSA also had lower OSA-18 scores than participants in the SDB and OSA groups. Few differences were observed between the SDB, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups on either the OSA-18 or PedsQL MFS, and these did not demonstrate a clear pattern. Linear regression of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and OSA-18 or PedsQL MFS scores revealed weak relationships (R2 < 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Using both an OSA-specific measure and generic fatigue measure, no consistent differences in QOL scores were found between children with varying OSA severities. Therefore, disease burden in pediatric patients with mild OSA and SDB should not be underestimated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 135:1525-1531, 2025.

Relationship between cognitive dysfunction and urinary 8-OHdG levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper respiratory tract during sleep, which can result in neurocognitive deficits and cognitive dysfunction in children. Oxidative stress may play a significant role in OSA-related disorders, with 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) serving as a primary marker of oxidative DNA damage for assessing oxidative stress levels. This study aims to investigate the relationship between urinary 8-OHdG levels in children with OSA and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

The study included children with habitual snoring from April 2023 to June 2024 at the Children's Hospital of Soochow University. All participants completed the PedsQL questionnaire and underwent polysomnography (PSG) assessment and urine collection for 8-OHdG analysis.

Results

In total, 99 children with OSA and 35 children with non-OSA were included. The urinary 8-OHdG levels were higher in the OSA group (240.94 ± 11.51 pg./mL) than in the non-OSA group (230.73 ± 13.82 pg./mL) (p < 0.001). Moreover, 8-OHdG was correlated with the course of the disease, obstructive apnea-hypopnea index, minimum arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), average SaO2, oxygen desaturation index, and cognitive dysfunctions evaluated by the PedsQL questionnaire (all p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 8-OHdG was 0.661 (95%confidence interval, 0.550-0.773). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that 8-OHdG was significantly associated with the School Functioning score (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Urinary 8-OHdG may serve as a non-invasive, objective biomarker for assessing cognitive dysfunctions in children with OSA.

The complex link between sleep-disordered breathing and asthma control in pediatric patients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

In children, asthma and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may affect quality of life (QoL), and SDB may complicate asthma management.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of SDB, its association with asthma control, and risk factors associated with SDB in a cohort of asthmatic children. The effects of asthma control and SDB on QoL were also investigated.

METHODS

We consecutively recruited asthmatic children referred to our Pulmonology Service from December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023. Data on anthropometrics, respiratory function, and allergies were collected. The prevalence of SDB was assessed by the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Asthma control status was assessed by the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), while QoL was evaluated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) questionnaire. Factors associated with SDB were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 78 asthmatic children aged 5-12 years were included. SDB was found in 37.2% of them, with a higher prevalence in children with uncontrolled versus well-controlled asthma (60.1% vs. 27.3%; p-value = 0.005). The C-ACT score was significantly lower in SDB-positive versus SDB-negative group, and uncontrolled asthma (C-ACT ≤19) was associated with a 4.15-fold increased risk of SDB. The PedsQL score was significantly lower in asthmatic children with than without SDB and was associated with lower SDB risk. SDB increased the risk of uncontrolled asthma in children, and asthmatic children with SDB had lower QoL.

CONCLUSION

In asthmatic children, SDB affects both asthma control and QoL. Children with uncontrolled asthma should be referred for polysomnography to identify a possible underlying SDB.

Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire Predicts Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Pediatric obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity during childhood. Alongside the well-known metabolic syndrome, during the last decades scientific research has deeply investigated the risk of sleep breathing disorders. Among them, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly affects children with obesity. The presence of OSA heightens the risk of metabolic impairment and weight gain. Therefore, it deserves specific treatment. However, polysomnography (PSG) is not always available in clinical settings, and alternative diagnostic tools are needed. This study aimed to investigate the predictivity of the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) for moderate-to-severe OSA diagnosis. Children and adolescents with obesity and suspected OSA with available full-night cardiorespiratory PSG were retrospectively enrolled. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to test the ability of PSQ in predicting moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI > 5 episode/h). The final sample included 60 children and adolescents. The PSQ showed a good area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78−0.98, p < 0.0001). Moreover, a value above or equal to 0.65 showed an 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for moderate and severe OSA. These findings suggest that PSQ might be used in clinical settings with limited access to PSG for stratifying disease severity and for selecting children with urgent need of sleep study.

Can sleep questionnaires predict adenotonsillectomy outcome for children with sleep disordered breathing?

INTRODUCTION

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the main cause of childhood sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and adenotonsillectomy (TA) the most common treatment. Polysomnography (PSG) for diagnosing SDB is often difficult to obtain with Otolaryngologists usually relying on history and examination when recommending TA. Questionnaires assessing quality of life (QoL) may assist the Otolaryngologists decision making.

AIMS

To explore changes in QoL tools following TA for SDB in children aged 3 to 15 with the aim of identifying whether the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea -18 (OSA-18) is a better predictor of outcome following TA.

METHODS

QoL was assessed using OSA-18, PSQ and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™). Four groups were recruited from three research databases, those with: SDB, recurrent tonsillitis (RT), SDB and RT, or no disease (controls). Children either received TA or underwent observation. QoL questionnaires were administered at recruitment and 3 months later. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. Pre-intervention scores were plotted against changes in scores, with pre-established cut-offs and cut-offs indicated by control group variability.

RESULTS

There were 120 children, 25 had no intervention, and 19 were controls. All questionnaires showed test-retest reliability over time. Using the distribution of scores from the control group we estimated the 95th percentile to redefine the cut-off for OSA-18 (reduced from 60 to 46) and PSQ (unchanged from 0.33). Higher pre-operative scores predicted greater reduction following TA, with OSA-18 the most consistent predictor of QoL change. The PSQ classified 86.8% of children undergoing TA above the 0.33 cut-off; whereas OSA-18 classified 73.7% above the 46 cut-off. Of these, 71.2% and 87.5% showed improvement after TA, respectively. Using the 95% confidence interval for change in the control group to identify a 'meaningful' change in score, children with OSA-18 scores >46 had a 93% chance of a meaningful improvement, whereas PSQ scores >0.33 were associated with an 80% chance of a meaningful improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA-18 is a better predictor of improved QoL than PSQ for TA in children with SDB. We propose a new cut off score (>46) for OSA-18. This may assist Otolaryngologists' decision making when assessing a child with SDB.

Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on Homework Performance in Children With Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing

OBJECTIVE

As a first line treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), adenotonsillectomy (AT) has been shown to confer physiologic and neurocognitive benefits to a child. However, there is a scarcity of data on how homework performance is affected postoperatively. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of AT on homework performance in children with SDB.

METHODS

Children in grades 1 to 8 undergoing AT for SDB based on clinical criteria with or without preoperative polysomnography along with a control group of children undergoing surgery unrelated to the treatment of SDB were recruited. The primary outcome of interest was the differential change in homework performance between the study group and control at follow-up as measured by the validated Homework Performance Questionnaire (HPQ-P). Adjustments were made for demographics and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores.

RESULTS

116 AT and 47 control subjects were recruited, and follow-up data was obtained in 99 AT and 35 control subjects. There were no significant differences between the general (total) HPQ-P scores and subscale scores between the AT and control subjects at entry and there were no significant differences in the change scores (follow-up minus initial scores) between the groups. Regression modeling also demonstrated that there were no group (AT vs control) by time interactions that predicted differential improvements in the HPQ-P (P > .10 for each model) although initial PSQ score was a significant predictor of lower HPQ-P scores for all models.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SDB experienced improvement in HPQ-P scores postoperatively, but the degree of change was not significant when compared to controls. Further studies incorporating additional educational metrics are encouraged to assess the true scholastic impact of AT in children with SDB.

An assessment of opioids on respiratory depression in children with and without obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for respiratory depression following opioid administration as well as opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Little is known on how obstructive sleep apnea status is associated with central ventilatory depression in pediatric surgical patients given a single dose of fentanyl.

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective trial in children undergoing surgery requiring intubation and opioid administration. Sixty patients between the ages of 2-8 years presenting for surgery at Texas Children's Hospital were recruited. Twenty non-obstructive sleep apnea controls and 30 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea met inclusion criteria. Following induction of general anesthesia and establishment of steady-state ventilation, participants received 1 mcg/kg intravenous fentanyl. Ventilatory variables (tidal volume, respiratory rate, end-tidal CO₂ , and minute ventilation) were assessed each minute for 10 min. The primary outcome was the extent of opioid-induced central ventilatory depression over time by obstructive sleep apnea status when compared with baseline values. Secondary aims assessed the impact of demographics and SpO₂ nadir on ventilatory depression.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in percent decrease in respiratory rate (38.1% and 37.1%; p = .950), tidal volume (6.4% and 5.4%; p = .992), and minute ventilation (35.0 L/min and 35.0 L/min; p = .890) in control and obstructive sleep apnea patients, respectively. Both groups experienced similar percent increases in end-tidal CO₂ (4.0% vs. 2.2%; p = .512) in control and obstructive sleep apnea patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric surgical patients, obstructive sleep apnea status was not associated with significant differences in central respiratory depression following a single dose of fentanyl (1 mcg/kg). These findings can help determine safe opioid doses in future pediatric obstructive sleep apneapatients.

Sleep-Related Breathing Problem Trajectories Across Early Childhood and Academic Achievement-Related Performance at Age Eight

Background: Childhood sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been linked to poorer academic performance; however, research has not investigated the extent improvement in SDB may alter outcomes across key academic skills. This study aimed to investigate if children's early SDB status could predict later academic outcomes, and if an improvement in SDB status across the early childhood years would coincide with better, later performance in key academic skills related to reading, numeracy, and listening comprehension.

Methods: Eighty five case children with an SDB symptom score >25 (maximum 77) were matched to 85 control children (score <12) at recruitment (age 3). SDB severity (symptom history and clinical assessment) was evaluated at ages 3, 4, 6, and 8 years and performance on individually-administered academic skills assessed at age 8 (91% retention from age 3). Case children were categorized into “improved” or “not-improved” groups based on SDB trajectories over the 5 years. Contributions of SDB status and trajectory group to academic performance were determined using regression analysis adjusted for demographic variables.

Results: History of SDB from age 3 predicted significantly poorer performance on some key academic skills (oral reading and listening skills) at age 8. Children whose SDB improved (45%) performed better in oral reading fluency than those whose SDB did not improve, but difficulties with specific tasks involving oral language (listening retell) remained when compared to controls.

Conclusion: Findings support links between early SDB and worse academic outcomes and suggest key academic areas of concern around oral language. Findings highlight the need for child mental health professionals to be aware of children's sleep problems, particularly SDB (past and present), when assessing potential barriers to children's achievement, to assist with appropriate and timely referrals for evaluation of children's sleep difficulties and collaborative evaluation of response to intervention for sleep difficulties.

Readability analysis of pediatric otolaryngology patient-reported outcome measures

OBJECTIVE

(s): Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools that allow patients to directly share information about their health with their healthcare provider. Health literacy experts recommend that health information, such as PROMs, be written at a 6th grade level to ensure patients can read and comprehend it. As the readability of PROMs used in pediatric otolaryngology has yet to be studied, our goal was to analyze the readability of these PROMs and assess their compliance with readability recommendations.

METHODS

The Gunning Fog, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the FORCAST readability formulas were used to determine the readability of disease-specific PROMs for pediatric otolaryngology.

RESULTS

Fourteen PROMs were reviewed in the study. Most were intended for caregiver completion (n = 13, 92.9%). Ten PROMs when measured by Gunning Fog (71.4%), 2 PROMs when measured by SMOG (14.3%), and 0 PROMs when measured by FORCAST (0.0%) were at or below the 6th grade reading level.

CONCLUSION

Most PROMs available for use in pediatric otolaryngology are above the recommended 6th grade reading level when measured by FORCAST, the most appropriate metric for assessing questionnaires. The high reading grade level needed to complete these PROMs can contribute to health disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations, such as children. Pediatric otolaryngology PROMs developed in the future should take readability into account in order to ensure equity in the delivery of care.

Parental concern as an indicator of the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children

INTRODUCTION

An accepted screening question for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children is "Does your child snore". However, this has no correlation to severity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a simple 2-item questionnaire that reflects the degree of parental concern to predict the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children as measured by Polysomnography (PSG).

METHODS

Prospective analysis of parental concern regarding their children referred for PSG due to suspected OSA. Parents of all study children completed the brief Parental Concern Scale (PCS) questionnaire that we devised and the validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire-Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder questionnaire (PSQ-SRBD). The PCS consisted of 1 question on the need for surgery and 1 question on concerns about the child's breathing. Both questionnaires were compared to PSG results.

RESULTS

Ninety-five children (mean age 4.2 ± 2.5 years, 52% males, mean body mass index z score 0.45 ± 1.8) were recruited. Twenty-three children (24%) had moderate-severe OSA and were referred for adenotonsillectomy. Correlations were found between the need for surgery score and the apnea-hypopnea index (r = 0.22, P = .029), as well as the mean SpO2 levels (r = -0.24, P = .02). The likelihood for the diagnosis of moderate-severe OSA by PSG increased as parental ranking for the need for surgery increased (P = .003). The need for surgery score was the only predictor for moderate-severe OSA (P = .039).

CONCLUSION

Querying parents on their perception of their child's need for surgery is a practical, and easy-to-use tool that can help the clinician in prioritizing referral to PSG.

Pediatric Sleep Tools: An Updated Literature Review

Since a thorough review in 2011 by Spruyt, into the integral pitfalls of pediatric questionnaires in sleep, sleep researchers worldwide have further evaluated many existing tools. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate and summarize the tools currently in circulation and provide recommendations for potential evolving avenues of pediatric sleep interest. 144 "tool"-studies (70 tools) have been published aiming at investigating sleep in primarily 6-18 years old per parental report. Although 27 new tools were discovered, most of the studies translated or evaluated the psychometric properties of existing tools. Some form of normative values has been established in 18 studies. More than half of the tools queried general sleep problems. Extra efforts in tool development are still needed for tools that assess children outside the 6-to-12-year-old age range, as well as for tools examining sleep-related aspects beyond sleep problems/disorders. Especially assessing the validity of tools has been pursued vis-à-vis fulfillment of psychometric criteria. While the Spruyt et al. review provided a rigorous step-by-step guide into the development and validation of such tools, a pattern of steps continue to be overlooked. As these instruments are potentially valuable in assisting in the development of a clinical diagnosis into pediatric sleep pathologies, it is required that while they are primary subjective measures, they behave as objective measures. More tools for specific populations (e.g., in terms of ages, developmental disabilities, and sleep pathologies) are still needed.

The Generalizability of the Clinical Assessment Score-15 for Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing

OBJECTIVE

The Clinical Assessment Score-15 (CAS-15) has been validated as an office-based assessment for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing in otherwise healthy children. Our objective was to determine the generalizability of the CAS-15 in a multi-institutional fashion.

METHODS

Five hundred and thirty children from 13 sites with suspected sleep-disordered breathing were recruited, and the investigators completed the CAS-15. Based on decisions made in the course of clinical care, investigators recommended overnight polysomnography, observation, medical therapy, and/or surgery. Two hundred and forty-seven subjects had a follow-up CAS-15.

RESULTS

Mean age was 5.1 (2.6) years; 54.2% were male; 39.1% were white; and 37.0% were African American. Initial mean (standard deviation [SD]) CAS-15 was 37.3 (12.7), n = 508. Spearman correlation between the initial CAS-15 and the initial apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29, 0.51), n = 212, P < .001. A receiver-operating characteristic curve predicting positive polysomnography (AHI > 2) had an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.63, 0.80). A score ≥ 32 had a sensitivity of 69.0% (95% CI, 61.7, 75.5), a specificity of 63.4% (95% CI, 47.9, 76.6), a positive predictive value of 88.7% (95% CI, 82.1, 93.1), and a negative predictive value of 32.9% (95% CI, 23.5, 44.0) in predicting positive polysomnography. Among children who underwent surgery, the mean change (SD) score was 30.5 (12.6), n = 201, t = 36.85, P < .001, effect size = 3.1.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the generalizability of the CAS-15 as a useful office tool for the evaluation of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2B Laryngoscope, 130:2256-2262, 2020.

Accuracy of clinical scoring tools for the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic test accuracy of questionnaire and clinical examination-based scoring tools in the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies published from 1960 to 2018 that evaluated the accuracy of clinical scoring tools in the diagnosis of pediatric OSA. Studies that did not include attended polysomnography as a reference standard were excluded. The study populations were children under 18 years old without craniofacial abnormalities, congenital syndromes, or other complex medical conditions. Outcomes measures were diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) statistics including sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen different scoring tools were identified. Authors chose different polysomnographic criteria to diagnose OSA. Four of the tools had undergone multiple DTA studies by different authors (OSA Score, Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder [SRBD] scale, Severity Score, and OSA-18). The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire SRBD scale, which is widely used, has a sensitivity of 71% to 84% in included studies, but specificity as low as 13% and a low AUC of 0.57-0.69, indicating poor diagnostic accuracy. None of the 15 scoring tools performed well enough to be considered accurate diagnostic tests for pediatric OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

A well-designed questionnaire can provide crucial information on the impact of sleep-disordered breathing on a child's physical and psychological health, which may not be adequately reflected in objective polysomnography outcomes measures. However, DTA results indicate that published clinical scoring tools do not accurately predict a diagnosis of pediatric OSA as defined by polysomnography outcome measures. Laryngoscope, 130:1034-1043, 2020.

The impact of adenotonsillectomy on pediatric asthma

OBJECTIVE

To determine asthma outcomes in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

HYPOTHESIS

Asthmatic children will demonstrate improvement in asthma control after T&A compared to asthmatic children not undergoing surgical treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

PATIENT-SUBJECT SELECTION

80 children with diagnosed asthma, aged 4-11, undergoing T&A and 62 controls matched to the T&A subjects by age, sex, and asthma severity classification.

METHODOLOGY

Parents and children completed the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Parents were queried regarding the number of asthma exacerbations, the frequency of the use of systemic steroids, the number of emergency room visits and the number of hospitalizations in the prior 6 months. The identical questionnaires and interviews were completed 6 months after entry.

RESULTS

The adjusted mean (95% CI) C-ACT score was 21.86 (20.94-22.68) at entry and 25.15 (24.55-25.71) at follow-up for the T&A group compared with 22.42 (21.46-23.28) and 23.59 (22.77-24.33) for the control group. There was a significant group by time interaction (P < 0.001). Simple effects analysis showed that group means did not differ at entry (P = 1.00) but did differ at follow-up (P = 0.006). Baseline PSQ was a significant predictor of improvement in C-ACT scores. Statistical modeling did not demonstrate significant group by time interactions for any of the asthma clinical outcomes, although these outcomes were very infrequent in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of SDB improves asthma outcomes as measured by the C-ACT.

Pediatric airway study: Endoscopic grading system for quantifying tonsillar size in comparison to standard adenotonsillar grading systems

SIGNIFICANCE

Current grading systems may not allow clinicians to reliably document and communicate adenotonsillar size in the clinical setting. A validated endoscopic grading system may be useful for reporting tonsillar size in future clinical outcome studies. This is especially important as tonsillar enlargement is the cause of a substantial health care burden on children.

OBJECTIVE

To propose and validate an easy-to-use flexible fiberoptic endoscopic grading system that provides physicians with a more accurate sense of the three-dimensional relationship of the tonsillar fossa to the upper-airway.

METHODS

50 consecutive pediatric patients were prospectively recruited between February 2015 and February 2016 at a pediatric otolaryngology outpatient clinic. The patients had no major craniofacial abnormalities and were aged 1 to 16years. Each patient had data regarding BMI, Friedman palate position, OSA-18 survey results collected. For each child, digital video clips of fiberoptic nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and laryngeal exams were presented to 2 examiners. Examiners were asked to independently use the proposed Endoscopic tonsillar grading system, the Brodsky tonsillar grading scale, the Modified Brodsky tonsillar grading scale with a tongue depressor, and the Parikh adenoid grading system to rate adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Cohen's Kappa and weighted Kappa scores were used to assess interrater reliability for each of the four grading scales. The Spearman correlation was used to test the associations between each scale and OSA-18 scores, as well as Body Mass Index (BMI).

RESULTS

50 pediatric patients were included in this study (mean age 6.1years, range of 1year to 16years). The average BMI was 20. The average OSA-18 score was 61.7. The average Friedman palate position score was 1.34. Twelve percent of the patients had a Friedman palate position score≥3, which made traditional Brodsky grading of their tonsils impossible without a tongue depressor. All four scales showed strong agreement between the two raters. The weighted Kappa was 0.83 for the Modified Brodsky scale, 0.89 for the Brodsky scale, 0.94 for the Parikh scale to 0.98 for the Endoscopic scale (almost perfect agreement). The Endoscopic scale showed the most consistent agreement between the raters during the study. There was a moderate association between the Parikh adenoid grading system with OSA-18 scores (Spearman's ρ=0.58, p<0.001) compared to a low association of the tonsillar grading systems with OSA- 18 scores. None of the scales correlated with patient BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed Endoscopic tonsillar grading system is as reliable of a method of grading tonsillar size as conventional grading systems. It offers the advantage of allowing for critical evaluation of the tonsils without any anatomic distortion which may occur with the use of a tongue blade. This new validated endoscopic grading system provides a tool for communicating the degree of airway obstruction at the level of the oropharynx regardless of Friedman palate position and may be used in future outcomes projects.

A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures in paediatric otolaryngology

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been increased emphasis on the development and application of patient-reported outcome measures. This drive to assess the impact of illness or interventions, from the patient's perspective, has resulted in a greater number of available questionnaires. The importance of selecting an appropriate patient-reported outcome measure is specifically emphasised in the paediatric population. The literature on patient-reported outcome measures used in paediatric otolaryngology was reviewed.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycInfo, using the terms: 'health assessment questionnaire', 'structured questionnaire', 'questionnaire', 'patient reported outcome measures', 'PROM', 'quality of life' or 'survey', and 'children' or 'otolaryngology'. The search was limited to English-language articles published between 1996 and 2016.

RESULTS

The search yielded 656 articles, of which 63 were considered relevant. This included general paediatric patient-reported outcome measures applied to otolaryngology, and paediatric otolaryngology disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

A large collection of patient-reported outcome measures are described in the paediatric otolaryngology literature. Greater standardisation of the patient-reported outcome measures used in paediatric otolaryngology would assist in pooling of data and increase the validation of tools used.

Scoping review of pediatric tonsillectomy quality of life assessment instruments

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Sleep-disordered breathing or recurrent tonsillitis have detrimental effects on the child's physical health and quality of life. Tonsillectomy is commonly performed to treat these common conditions and improve the child's quality of life. This scoping review aims to present a comprehensive and descriptive analysis of quality of life questionnaires as a resource for clinicians and researchers when deciding which tool to use when assessing the quality of life effects after tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken across MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL.

METHODS

Quality of life questionnaires utilized in studies investigating pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis or sleep-disordered breathing were included. Methodological quality and data extraction were conducted as per Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

RESULTS

Ten questionnaires were identified, consisting of six generic and four disease-specific instruments. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory was the most commonly utilized generic questionnaire. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 was the most commonly utilized disease-specific questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified a range of generic and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires utilized in pediatric patients who have undergone tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy for sleep-disordered breathing or chronic tonsillitis. Important aspects of each questionnaire have been summarized to aid researchers and clinicians in choosing the appropriate questionnaire when evaluating the quality of life effects of tonsillectomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 127:2399-2406, 2017.

Clinical symptoms that predict the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a set of clinical symptoms can help in determining the presence and severity of OSA.

SETTING

Tertiary urban pediatric hospital.

METHODS

Parents of children undergoing an overnight PSG answered a 56 item questionnaire based on their child's symptoms. The responses to the questionnaire were compared between patients with different severities of OSA (s determined by PSG) and those without OSA. Responses to questionnaire were also analyzed between obese and non-obese patients.

RESULTS

235 children were included (140 male and 95 female) with a mean age of 5.76 ± 2.78 years. The mean Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was 7.78 ± 14.50 events/hour (range 0-110 events/h). 74 (31.5%) children had mild-OSA (AHI between 1 and 4.99 events/h), 31 (13.19%) had moderate-OSA (AHI between 5 and 9.99 events/h), 58 (24.7%) had severe-OSA (AHI≥10events/h) and the remaining 72 (30.64%) had No-OSA (AHI≤1event/h). 87 (37%) patients were obese. Eight clinical symptoms in non-obese and six clinical symptoms in obese patients predicted the mild to severe OSA. Sixteen symptoms in non-obese patients and nine symptoms in obese patients predicted the presence of severe OSA in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Clinical symptoms reported in this study are useful to predict the presence of and the severity of OSA in children. Clinical symptoms can also predict the presence and severity of OSA in children who are obese, however, the symptoms required to make the prediction are different in obese children.

Stakeholder-Engaged Measure Development for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Adenotonsillectomy Knowledge Scale for Parents

Importance

Parental decision making about adenotonsillectomy (AT) for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) is associated with decisional conflict that may be alleviated with improved knowledge about symptoms and treatments.

Objective

To develop a measure of parental knowledge about oSDB and AT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A sequential design was used for scale development. A prototype measure containing 9 oSDB and AT themes and 85 items was administered in survey format via an online platform. Participants included 19 clinician experts (otolaryngologists and pediatricians) and 13 laymen (parents of children who snore or do not snore, and other adults). Quantitative and qualitative responses were used to modify the measure and create the knowledge scale. Content validity of the scale was established through expert feedback and evaluation. Criterion validity was established with t test comparisons of experts with laymen. Reliability of the responses was assessed with Cronbach α testing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

An 85-item prototype measure and 39-item modified measure were evaluated for consensus/approval and psychometric integrity.

Results

Of 45 potential participants, 32 individuals (71%) responded to the prototype scale. Respondents included 19 clinician experts (59%) (otolaryngologists and pediatricians) and 13 laymen (41%) (parents of children who snore [n = 8] or do not snore [n = 2] and other adults [n = 3]); demographic data were not collected. Content analysis and qualitative feedback were largely rated positively: 27 respondents (84%) stated that the measure was a good evaluation of knowledge, 30 respondents (94%) commented that the items were clear, and 31 individuals (97%) approved of its organization, although there were several suggestions for rewording and/or addition of response options. Experts identified themes most important for assessing oSDB (symptoms) and AT (experiences: risks and benefits) knowledge. These qualitative comments were used to modify the scale, and items were eliminated if more than 2 were reported as misleading or less than 85% of clinicians provided correct responses. Five themes (oSDB symptoms, treatment options, AT risks, anesthesia, and AT benefits) and 39 items composed the final scale. Experts scored higher than laymen on the oSDB and AT Knowledge Scale for Parents overall (17 [94%] vs 12 [67%]; Cohen d = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.05-2.86) and within all themes, including experiences of children with oSDB (19 [88%] vs 13 [62%]; Cohen d = 1.53; 95% CI, 0.71-2.32), treatment options (19 [97%] vs 12 [68%]; Cohen d = 1.74; 95% CI, 0.88-2.57), AT risks (17 [97%] vs 12 [59%]; Cohen d = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.03-2.83), anesthesia (17 [97%] vs 12 [79%]; Cohen d = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.29-1.88), and AT benefits (17 [95%] vs 12 [67%]; Cohen d = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.46-2.09), demonstrating criterion validity. All responses demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach α = 0.94).

Conclusions and Relevance

The oSDB and AT Knowledge Scale for Parents is psychometrically sound for use in the assessment of parental knowledge.

Developmental delay in young children with sleep-disordered breathing before and after tonsil and adenoid surgery

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the developmental status of young children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) as measured by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and to evaluate improvement after treatment.

METHODS

The ASQ-3 was completed at entry, 3 months and 6 months after adenotonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The questionnaire consists of 30 items that assess five domains: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social. Domain scores were compared with normative values: abnormal ≥2 SDs and borderline ≥1 but <2 SDs below the mean.

RESULTS

80 children, mean (SD) age 3.0 (0.94) years, 62.5% male, 77.5% African American, were enrolled. Median (range) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 12.6 (1.4-178.5). At entry, 22 (27.5%) children scored in the abnormal range in at least one developmental area and an additional 23 (28.8%) had at least one borderline score. A generalized linear model including gender, AHI, maternal education and prematurity showed that only prematurity was an independent predictor of at least one abnormal or borderline entry score (likelihood ratio test p < 0.001). Adjusting for covariates and excluding children with a history of prematurity, the prevalence of at least one abnormal or borderline score (based on 112 observations of 70 children) was estimated at 49% (95% CI [37, 62]) at baseline; 34% (95% CI [17, 56]) at 3 months; and 22% (95% CI [10, 41]) at 6 months. Post-hoc pairwise comparison of time points showed the baseline versus 6-month difference to be statistically significant (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

The 27.5% baseline prevalence of abnormal ASQ scores in children with SDB indicates it is a risk factor for developmental delay. Significant improvements in score classifications were found 6 months after surgery.

Cochrane Corner

The “Cochrane Corner” is a section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review on tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) in children, which finds moderate-quality evidence that surgery improves symptoms, behavior, and quality of life compared to nonsurgical management. The results apply to nonsyndromic children with SDB confirmed by polysomnography and must be balanced against a favorable natural history in many cases.

Sleep Disturbances and Behavioral Disturbances in Children and Adolescents

Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are commonly seen in children and adolescents. They are often undiagnosed and undertreated. A balance of circadian rhythm and homeostatic drive determine sleep quality, quantity, and timing, which changes across the developmental years. Environmental and lifestyle factors can affect sleep quality and quantity and lead to sleep deprivation. A comprehensive assessment of sleep disorders includes parental report, children's self-report, and school functioning. Diagnostic tools are used in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

Polysomnography for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing in children under 2 years of age

OBJECTIVES

To describe clinical polysomnography (PSG) results, sleep physicians' diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorder breathing in children less than 2 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical chart review at a pediatric tertiary care center, pediatric sleep laboratory.

SUBJECT SELECTION

Children less than 2 years of age who underwent clinical PSG over a 3-year period.

METHODOLOGY

PSG results and physician interpretations were identified for inclusions. Children were excluded if either PSG results or physician interpretations were unavailable for review. Infants were classified in three age groups for comparison: <6 months, 6-12 months, and >12 months.

RESULTS

Matched records were available for 233 PSGs undertaken at a mean age 11.1 ± 7.0 months; 31% were <6 months, 23% were 6-12 months, and 46% were 12-24 months of age. Infants <6 months showed significant differences on sleep parameters and respiratory indicators compared to other groups. Compared to physician sleep disordered breathing (SDB) classification, current pediatric apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)-based SDB severity classification overestimated SDB severity. Age and obstructive-mixed AHI (OMAHI) were most closely associated with physician identification of SDB.

CONCLUSION

Children <6 months of age appear to represent a distinct group with respect to PSG. Experienced sleep physicians appear to incorporate age and respiratory event frequently when determining the presence of SDB. Further information about clinical significance of apnea in infancy is required, assisted by identification of factors that sleep physicians use to identify SDB in children <6 months of age.

Tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy versus non-surgical management for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing in children

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) is a condition that encompasses breathing problems when asleep, due to an obstruction of the upper airways, ranging in severity from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). It affects both children and adults. In children, hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoid tissue is thought to be the commonest cause of oSDB. As such, tonsillectomy - with or without adenoidectomy - is considered an appropriate first-line treatment for most cases of paediatric oSDB.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy compared with non-surgical management of children with oSDB.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Register of Studies Online, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 5 March 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of (adeno)tonsillectomy with non-surgical management in children with oSDB aged 2 to 16 years.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials (562 children) met our inclusion criteria. Two were at moderate to high risk of bias and one at low risk of bias. We did not pool the results because of substantial clinical heterogeneity. They evaluated three different groups of children: those diagnosed with mild to moderate OSAS by polysomnography (PSG) (453 children aged five to nine years; low risk of bias; CHAT trial), those with a clinical diagnosis of oSDB but with negative PSG recordings (29 children aged two to 14 years; moderate to high risk of bias; Goldstein) and children with Down syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) diagnosed with mild to moderate OSAS by PSG (80 children aged six to 12 years; moderate to high risk of bias; Sudarsan). Moreover, the trials included two different comparisons: adenotonsillectomy versus no surgery (CHAT trial and Goldstein) or versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (Sudarsan). Disease-specific quality of life and/or symptom score (using a validated instrument): first primary outcomeIn the largest trial with lowest risk of bias (CHAT trial), at seven months, mean scores for those instruments measuring disease-specific quality of life and/or symptoms were lower (that is, better quality of life or fewer symptoms) in children receiving adenotonsillectomy than in those managed by watchful waiting:- OSA-18 questionnaire (scale 18 to 126): 31.8 versus 49.5 (mean difference (MD) -17.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) -21.2 to -14.2);- PSQ-SRBD questionnaire (scale 0 to 1): 0.2 versus 0.5 (MD -0.3, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.26);- Modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (scale 0 to 24): 5.1 versus 7.1 (MD -2.0, 95% CI -2.9 to -1.1).No data on this primary outcome were reported in the Goldstein trial.In the Sudarsan trial, the mean OSA-18 score at 12 months did not significantly differ between the adenotonsillectomy and CPAP groups. The mean modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores did not differ at six months, but were lower in the surgery group at 12 months: 5.5 versus 7.9 (MD -2.4, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.7). Adverse events: second primary outcomeIn the CHAT trial, 15 children experienced a serious adverse event: 6/194 (3%) in the adenotonsillectomy group and 9/203 (4%) in the control group (RD -1%, 95% CI -5% to 2%).No major complications were reported in the Goldstein trial.In the Sudarsan trial, 2/37 (5%) developed a secondary haemorrhage after adenotonsillectomy, while 1/36 (3%) developed a rash on the nasal dorsum secondary to the CPAP mask (RD -3%, 95% CI -6% to 12%). Secondary outcomesIn the CHAT trial, at seven months, mean scores for generic caregiver-rated quality of life were higher in children receiving adenotonsillectomy than in those managed by watchful waiting. No data on this outcome were reported by Sudarsan and Goldstein.In the CHAT trial, at seven months, more children in the surgery group had normalisation of respiratory events during sleep as measured by PSG than those allocated to watchful waiting: 153/194 (79%) versus 93/203 (46%) (RD 33%, 95% CI 24% to 42%). In the Goldstein trial, at six months, PSG recordings were similar between groups and in the Sudarsan trial resolution of OSAS (Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index score below 1) did not significantly differ between the adenotonsillectomy and CPAP groups.In the CHAT trial, at seven months, neurocognitive performance and attention and executive function had not improved with surgery: scores were similar in both groups. In the CHAT trial, at seven months, mean scores for caregiver-reported ratings of behaviour were lower (that is, better behaviour) in children receiving adenotonsillectomy than in those managed by watchful waiting, however, teacher-reported ratings of behaviour did not significantly differ.No data on these outcomes were reported by Goldstein and Sudarsan.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In otherwise healthy children, without a syndrome, of older age (five to nine years), and diagnosed with mild to moderate OSAS by PSG, there is moderate quality evidence that adenotonsillectomy provides benefit in terms of quality of life, symptoms and behaviour as rated by caregivers and high quality evidence that this procedure is beneficial in terms of PSG parameters. At the same time, high quality evidence indicates no benefit in terms of objective measures of attention and neurocognitive performance compared with watchful waiting. Furthermore, PSG recordings of almost half of the children managed non-surgically had normalised by seven months, indicating that physicians and parents should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of adenotonsillectomy against watchful waiting in these children. This is a condition that may recover spontaneously over time.For non-syndromic children classified as having oSDB on purely clinical grounds but with negative PSG recordings, the evidence on the effects of adenotonsillectomy is of very low quality and is inconclusive.Low-quality evidence suggests that adenotonsillectomy and CPAP may be equally effective in children with Down syndrome or MPS diagnosed with mild to moderate OSAS by PSG.We are unable to present data on the benefits of adenotonsillectomy in children with oSDB aged under five, despite this being a population in whom this procedure is often performed for this purpose.

Correlation of salivary alpha amylase level and adenotonsillar hypertrophy with sleep disordered breathing in pediatric subjects

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) can affect the sympathetic adrenomedullary system (SAM). As a biomarker of SAM activity, salivary α-amylase (sAA) in pediatric subjects was evaluated whether it has any correlation with polysomnographic (PSG) parameters related to SDB.

METHODS

Sixty-seven children who attended our clinic during 1 year were enrolled prospectively and underwent clinical examinations and in-lab polysomnography. The sAA was measured at 2 points--at night before PSG and in the early morning after PSG.

RESULTS

Subjects were divided into control (n = 26, apneahypopnea index [AHI] < 1) and OSAS (n = 41, AHI ≥ 1) groups. The OSAS group was subdivided according to AHI (mild-moderate, 1 ≤ AHI < 10; severe, AHI ≥ 10). The sAA subtraction and ratio (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively) were significantly higher in severe OSAS than in the mild-moderate and control groups. Although oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and AHI were significantly associated with sAA, sAA in the OSAS group was not related to lowest oxygen saturation or adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

sAA was well related to polysomnographic (PSG) parameters related to SDB, such as AHI and ODI. Therefore, screening test for sAA in children suspected to have SBD may help to identify OSAS patients from control.

Pediatric sleep studies: when and how often are they necessary?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the increased awareness of the morbidity associated with snoring, polysomnography (PSG) is becoming more prevalent. Many national organizations have recently published clinical guidelines to facilitate decision-making for children with disrupted breathing patterns. This review will discuss these clinical guidelines and describe the rationale behind them. It will also touch on the limitations of PSG.

RECENT FINDINGS

The common theme for the clinical guidelines is that PSG is being underutilized. Not only is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated with behavioral, cognitive, and cardiovascular morbidity, but primary snoring is also not always benign. The interpretation of the PSG is influenced by multiple variables: filter settings, sensors utilized, and how the respiratory events are tabulated.

SUMMARY

To diagnose OSA, one requires overnight PSG. Multiple guidelines have been published to facilitate decision-making. Many questions remain unanswered and future research as well as PSG standardization will further clarify the role of PSG in the evaluation and treatment of disrupted breathing patterns in children.

Clinical indicators that predict the presence of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy in children

OBJECTIVE

To determine if clinical indicators can predict the presence of moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) after Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Urban Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital.

METHODS

Parents of children (<18 yrs.) with OSA completed a 55-item questionnaire based on their child's symptoms at the time of preoperative polysomnography and then again at the follow up polysomnography completed 3 to 6 months after T&A.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

55 item questionnaire, polysomnography variables.

RESULTS

97 children were included (59 Male and 38 Female). The mean preoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 30.5±31.6/h and the mean postoperative AHI was 4.4±6.0/h. After T&A, all 97 children had reduction in AHI, and 35 (36.1%) no longer had OSA (AHI<1/h). The total symptom scores decreased from 15.8±9.4 to 11.3±8.7 after T&A (p<.0001). Fourteen symptoms highly predictive of moderate to severe OSA were identified in the univariate analysis (p<0.1). Using a cut-point of 4, this 14-item subscale illustrated an overall predictability of 72.2% (73.7% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity) for identifying children with moderate to severe OSA.

CONCLUSION

A cluster of 14 clinical sleep symptoms are highly predictive of moderate to severe OSA and can serve as clinical predictor for the presence of moderate to severe OSA after T&A.

Cost-benefit Analysis of Polysomnography versus Clinical Assessment Score-15 (CAS-15) for Treatment of Pediatric Sleep-disordered Breathing

Objective

To determine the cost of medical care using the Clinical Assessment Score-15 (CAS-15) scale versus polysomnography (PSG) for children with sleep-disordered breathing in terms of benefit.

Study Design

Cost-benefit analysis.

Setting

Hospital-based pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Subjects and Methods

Ninety-three patients from our original CAS-15 study were included. Four clinical measures were used and payment data were obtained. Cost-benefit analysis was performed for 2 clinical pathways. In pathway 1, all children had PSG; those with positive studies were referred for adenotonsillectomy. In pathway 2, children with CAS-15 ≥ 32 were referred for adenotonsillectomy regardless of PSG. Paired t test compared intrasubject mean total cost (pathway 1 vs pathway 2). Further analyses computed a change score for the clinical measures (follow-up minus baseline); these were divided by estimated treatment cost, producing 4 cost-benefit ratios for each pathway. Paired t tests compared the mean of these ratios between the pathways.

Results

Of 65 PSG+ (15 CAS–), 54 underwent surgery; of 28 PSG– (17 CAS–), 7 underwent surgery. Model estimated costs demonstrate a mean cost benefit of $US1172 (SE = $214) for pathway 2 versus pathway 1 ( P < .001). CAS-15 is also cost-beneficial versus PSG in 3 of 4 clinical measures (Child Behavior Checklist total problem T score, P = .008, mean OSA-18 survey score, P < .001, apnea hypopnea index, P < .001).

Conclusions

We present evidence that a CAS-15–based treatment decision criterion is superior to PSG in terms of monetary cost and in benefit per unit cost for 3 of 4 clinical measures evaluated.

Correlation of salivary cortisol level with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in pediatric subjects

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with stress system activation involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The relationships among salivary cortisol, a measure of the HPA axis, and objective parameters of polysomnography (PSG) and subjective sleep symptoms were examined.

METHODS

Our prospective study enrolled 80 children who had a physical examination, underwent overnight PSG, and completed the Korean version of the modified pediatric Epworth sleepiness scale (KMPESS) and OSA-18 (KOSA-18) questionnaires. Saliva was collected at night before PSG and in the early morning after PSG.

RESULTS

Subjects (N=80) were divided into control (n=32, apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]<1) and OSAS (n=48, AHI > or =1) groups; the OSAS group was subdivided into mild (1< or = AHI < 5) and moderate to severe (AHI > or =5) groups. Although salivary cortisol before PSG (n-sCor) did not show a significant change with OSAS severity, salivary cortisol after PSG (m-sCor) significantly decreased with OSAS severity. This decrease resulted in a salivary cortisol ratio (r-sCor) that was significantly different between the control group and the two OSAS subgroups. The m-sCor and sub-sCor of the total group as well as the m-sCor, sub-sCor, and r-sCor of the OSAS group were negatively related to the oxygen desaturation index (ODI). The m-sCor and r-sCor in the OSAS group also were related to subjective sleep symptoms (quality of life [QOL] by KOSA-18).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the four salivary cortisol parameters, r-sCor was negatively associated with OSAS severity, ODI, and QOL (KOSA-18), which may indicate a chronically stressed HPA axis. These results demonstrate that salivary cortisol may be a useful biomarker of OSAS.

Adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing in a predominantly obese pediatric population

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in the treatment of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, and to determine the natural history in untreated children.

METHODS

The charts of children aged 1-12 who underwent polysomnography (PSG) between 1/2006 and 6/2009 were reviewed to identify children with positive studies. Children not treated by T&A were recruited and matched by age, time since initial PSG, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to children who underwent T&A. All participants were evaluated by a clinical assessment score (CAS-15), follow-up PSG, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

RESULTS

Sixteen matched pairs completed the study. Ten (63%) T&A patients were overweight or obese compared with 14 (88%) untreated patients. There was a greater median improvement in AHI in the surgical group compared to the nonsurgical group (10.3 vs. 6.5, p=0.044). Although the T&A children were more likely to have a follow-up AHI<5 (81% vs. 69%) and <1 (44% vs. 25%), these results were not significant. The T&A group had significantly lower mean (SD) scores on the CAS-15 [8.9(6.1) vs. 29.4(16.2), p<0.001] and the CBCL total problem score [43.9(8.7) vs. 58.9(13.0), p<0.001]. Younger age at presentation (rho=-0.76, p<0.001), initial AHI (0.87, p<0.001), and initial AI (0.63, p=0.05) were correlated with change in AHI among T&A subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

T&A was more effective in reducing AHI than no surgery. Median AHI improved in the nonsurgical group, and 4/16 (25%) untreated patients were cured (AHI<1).