Surgery unlikely to cure obese kids with sleep disorders

Washington, Sept 22 : A new study has revealed that surgical interventions for many obese kids suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may not cure the problem.

Obese kids are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that is linked to a decreased quality of life as well as behavioral, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and psychiatric complications.

The standard therapy for kids with this condition is removal of the tonsils and adenoid tissue.

The researchers reviewed the literature and combined the results of four studies on obese children with obstructive sleep apnea who had a sleep study before and after undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

They found that that obese kids may be helped, but are unlikely to be completely cured of obstructive sleep apnea after removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

The researchers concluded that persistent obstructive sleep apnea after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy should be carefully evaluated and treated to avoid further complications of the disease.

The study has been presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL.

ANI