Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on the Symptomatology and Growth of Children with Obstructive Adenotonsillar Enlargement

Abstract

Background: Obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement, a common childhood disorder in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) practice, is associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and growth failure.

Objective:  To assess the effect of adenotonsillectomy on symptomatology and somatic and biochemical markers of growth in children with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement.

Setting and design:  A prospective interventional and controlled study was conducted among children 2-8 years old with the diagnosis of adenotonsillar enlargement who attended the ENT Clinic of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

Methods: The study group consisted of 43 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy, while the control group consisted of 43 age and sex-matched children without features of obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement. The symptomatology score, weight, height, serum growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured pre-surgery and six months post-surgery among the study and the control groups.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in symptomatology scores among the study group six months post-surgery (p <0.001). The weight, height, and serum levels of GH and IGF-1 significantly increased in the study group six months after the surgery.

Conclusion: Adenotonsillectomy positively affects the symptomatology, somatic growth and biochemical markers of growth in children with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement.