Surgical Management of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Efficacy, Outcomes, and Alternatives—A Systematic Review
2024

Surgical Management of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sample size: 15 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dipalma Gianna, Inchingolo Angelo Michele, Palumbo Irene, Guglielmo Mariafrancesca, Riccaldo Lilla, Morolla Roberta, Inchingolo Francesco, Palermo Andrea, Charitos Ioannis Alexandros, Inchingolo Alessio Danilo

Primary Institution: Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”

Hypothesis

This review aims to provide an overview to guide clinical decision making for treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Conclusion

Adenotonsillectomy significantly improves secondary outcomes like behavioral issues and quality of life compared to watchful waiting with supportive care.

Supporting Evidence

  • Adenotonsillectomy improves behavioral issues and quality of life in children with OSA.
  • Alternative surgical techniques like adenopharyngoplasty show promise with fewer complications.
  • Spontaneous normalization of apnea-hypopnea index can occur in some children without surgery.
  • Long-term outcomes of surgical interventions need further investigation.
  • Variability in patient responses to surgery highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches.

Takeaway

This study shows that surgery can help kids with sleep apnea feel better and do better in school, but some kids might get better without surgery.

Methodology

The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and included a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant studies.

Potential Biases

The risk of bias varied, with some studies showing low risk and others high risk, particularly due to confounding factors.

Limitations

Small sample sizes and variability in outcomes limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The studies included children with obstructive sleep apnea, both male and female.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/life14121652

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