The Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Changes of Position during Sleep in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Background It is unknown whether adenotonsillectomy influences changes of position during sleep in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on changes of position during sleep as determined by polysomnography in children with OSAS. Methods Forty-four polysomnograms from 22 children with OSAS were analyzed. We compared the frequency of positional changes during sleep and the distribution of sleep positions before and after adenotonsillectomy. Results Adenotonsillectomy significantly improved all respiratory parameters studied. The arousal index and sleep efficiency were improved among the sleep parameters. There was a significant decrease in the total number of positional changes during sleep ( p < 0.001) and positional change index ( p < 0.001). The proportion of sleep time spent in the supine position was significantly increased (p = 0.001), and the proportions spent in lateral ( p = 0.003) and up (p = 0.018) positions were significantly decreased. Conclusion Significant changes were found in the frequency of positional changes during sleep and the distribution of sleep positions in children with OSAS after adenotonsillectomy.