Our Summary

This research paper is about a condition called Sleep Associated Hypoventilation (SAH), which is diagnosed when more than 25% of a child’s sleep time is spent with an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can occur on its own or in conjunction with a more common condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

The study looked at the medical records of 17 children who were diagnosed with SAH but did not have obstructive sleep apnea. These children were treated at a specialized children’s hospital between 2013 and 2019. The children ranged in age from 3 to 14 years old and some had other health conditions like asthma, Down syndrome, or seizures. The children’s weight varied, with eight being of normal weight, four being overweight, and five being obese.

The study found that the majority of the children who were of normal weight saw an improvement in their SAH after having surgery to remove their tonsils and/or adenoids (a surgical procedure known as a TA). However, two of the obese children and one of the overweight children still had SAH after surgery.

In conclusion, the study suggests that surgery can be an effective treatment for SAH in normal weight children, but more research is needed to understand why some overweight and obese children still have SAH after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is Sleep Associated Hypoventilation (SAH) and how is it diagnosed?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness of adenoidectomy in treating SAH in children?
  3. Why might surgery be less effective in treating SAH in overweight and obese children according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. This will help ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for adenoidectomy are those who suffer from conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic or recurrent sinus infections, ear infections, or nasal airway obstruction. In the case of the study mentioned above, children with Sleep Associated Hypoventilation (SAH) who did not have obstructive sleep apnea were recommended for adenoidectomy in order to improve their condition.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider in order to determine if adenoidectomy is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition. Adenoidectomy is a common procedure that is generally safe and effective in alleviating symptoms associated with adenoid-related conditions. However, as seen in the study, the effectiveness of adenoidectomy may vary depending on the individual patient’s health status and other factors.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms of sleep-associated hypoventilation, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and irritability
  • Patient may undergo a sleep study to diagnose the condition
  • Patient may undergo other treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or medications, to manage symptoms

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the adenoids
  • Patient may experience some discomfort and pain in the throat following surgery
  • Patient may need to follow post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding certain foods and activities
  • Patient may experience improvements in symptoms of sleep-associated hypoventilation, such as better sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness
  • Patient may undergo follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about adenoidectomy in relation to SAH may include:

  1. Is adenoidectomy a recommended treatment for SAH in children who do not have obstructive sleep apnea?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing adenoidectomy for SAH?
  3. How will adenoidectomy improve the symptoms of SAH in my child?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that should be considered before opting for adenoidectomy?
  5. What is the success rate of adenoidectomy in improving SAH symptoms, particularly in children who are overweight or obese?
  6. Are there any specific factors, such as age or underlying health conditions, that may affect the outcome of adenoidectomy for SAH?
  7. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy, and what can be done to ensure a smooth recovery process?
  8. Are there any potential long-term effects or complications associated with undergoing adenoidectomy for SAH?
  9. Will my child need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after undergoing adenoidectomy for SAH?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or adjustments that should be made to help manage SAH symptoms following adenoidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Saadeh C, Ulualp SO. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2021 Apr;131(4):E1380-E1382. doi: 10.1002/lary.29079. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32876345