Mortality and major morbidity after tonsillectomy: etiologic factors and strategies for prevention

"Skeletal surgical approach in Down Syndrome with Obstructive Sleep Apnea."

Failing to address Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Down Syndrome (DS) patients can have serious consequences, leading to increased mortality. Moreover, a notable portion of individuals find it challenging to tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Therefore, this study aims to share our experiences in treating adult DS patients with moderate to severe OSA who don't tolerate CPAP using various surgical approaches. A retrospective analytical study including 20 DS with moderate to severe/very severe OSA who had no tolerance to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) was conducted. Regarding the individual skeletal characteristics of each patient various orthognathic surgery techniques were performed. Two in-hospital polysomnographies (PSG) were undertaken for every patient; one before the surgical procedure, while another was performed between 6 and 60 months of the follow-up post-surgery period. Polysomnographic variables were analyzed in this study such as AHI, ODI, and T90, which all showed statistically significant improvement after surgery with a p value in the Wilcoxon test <0,01. These results have remained stable over time, with no recurrences of OSA observed over the five years of follow-up. Thus, orthognathic surgery may be the only viable option for individuals with DS who are unable to tolerate CPAP.

Care of the Pediatric Patient for Ambulatory Tonsillectomy With or Without Adenoidectomy: The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Position Statement

The landscape of ambulatory surgery is changing, and tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures performed nationally. The number of children undergoing tonsillectomy on an ambulatory basis continues to increase. The 2 most common indications for tonsillectomy are recurrent throat infections and obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. The most frequent early complications after tonsillectomy are hemorrhage and ventilatory compromise. In areas lacking a dedicated children's hospital, these cases are managed by a nonpediatric specialized anesthesiologist and general otolaryngology surgeon. In response to requests from our members without pediatric fellowship training and/or who care for pediatric patients infrequently, the Pediatric Committee of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) developed a position statement with recommendations for the safe perioperative care of pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with and without adenoidectomy in freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities. This statement identifies children that are more likely to experience complications and to require additional dedicated provider time that is not conducive to the rapid pace and staffing ratios of many freestanding ambulatory centers with mixed adult and pediatric practices. The aim is to provide health care professionals with practical criteria and suggestions based on the best available evidence. When high-quality evidence is unavailable, we relied on group consensus from pediatric ambulatory specialists in the SAMBA Pediatric Committee. Consensus recommendations were presented to the Pediatric Committee of SAMBA.

Perioperative opioids in high-risk children undergoing tonsillectomy - A single institution experience

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing tonsillectomy/ adenotonsillectomy (T/AT) can experience substantial postoperative pain. The aims of this study are to assess perioperative pain management in high-risk children (children with severe obstructive sleep apnea and other complex medical comorbidities or age younger than 2 years) undergoing T/AT, and the impact on oxygen levels and pain during extended Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) admission.

METHODS

A retrospective case series study at a tertiary care children's hospital.

RESULTS

There were 278 children enrolled in the study. The Apnea-Hypopnea index and mean oxygen nadir on preoperative polysomnography were 31.3 ± 25.76/h and 79.5 ± 9.5 % respectively. Overall, 246 (89 %) patients received intraoperative opioids alone (n = 35, 13 %) or in combination with non-opioid analgesia (n = 209, 75 %). While the median dose of opioid-free medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) ranged from 93 to 100 % of standard maximal dosing by weight and age, the median dose of opioids was significantly lower and ranged from 54 to 63 % of standard maximal dosing by weight and age, with 43 % of the patients receiving less than half the recommended maximum dose. Oxygen desaturation was charted in 21 patients (8 %) during their PACU admission. Patients who received opioid-free analgesia were as likely to develop oxygen desaturations (n = 17 (81 %) vs. n = 228 (89.4 %), p = 0.27) and to receive rescue pain medication during their PACU stay as patients who received opioids intraoperatively (n = 18 (56 %) vs. n = 167 (68 %), p = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative pain management varies across high-risk pediatric tonsillectomies. Opioid-free analgesia was not associated with an increased need for pain medications during PACU admission, or with a decreased likelihood of oxygen desaturations compared to intra-operative opioid analgesia use.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective observational study of respiratory events in the immediate recovery period after adenotonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

Adenotonsillectomy is often curative for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, yet children remain at high risk of respiratory complications in the postoperative period. We sought to determine the incidence and risk factors for respiratory depression and airway obstruction, as well as clinically apparent respiratory events in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) in high-risk children after adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 60 high-risk children having adenotonsillectomy. Our primary outcome was respiratory depression and airway obstruction in the PACU measured using a noninvasive respiratory volume monitor (RVM) and defined by episodes of predicted minute ventilation less than 40% for at least 2 min. We measured clinically apparent respiratory events using continuous observation by trained study staff.

RESULTS

The median (range) age of our sample was 4 years (1, 16) and 27 (45%) were female. Black and Hispanic race children comprised 80% (n = 48) of our cohort. Thirty-nine (65%) had at least one episode of PACU respiratory depression or airway obstruction measured using the RVM, while only 21 (35%) had clinically apparent respiratory events. Poisson regression demonstrated the following associations with an increase in episodes of respiratory depression and airway obstruction: BMI Z-score less than -1 (estimate 3.91; [95%CI 1.49-10.23]), BMI Z-score 1-2 (estimate 2.04; [1.20-3.48]), and two or more comorbidities (estimate 1.96; [1.11-3.46]).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory volume monitoring in the immediate postoperative period after pediatric high-risk adenotonsillectomy identifies impaired ventilation more frequently than is clinically apparent.

Current Pediatric Tertiary Care Practices Following Adenotonsillectomy: An Update

OBJECTIVE

Adenotonsillectomy is a common procedure performed in children, and the practice patterns at academic centers have been evolving with the publication of updated societal guidelines. In this study, we assess perioperative practice patterns at tertiary care children's hospitals for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional 18-question survey distributed in July of 2022 recruited responses through August 25, 2022. The division chiefs of 70 pediatric otolaryngology groups at tertiary care children's hospitals across the United States and Canada were surveyed. Division chiefs submitted survey responses on behalf of the group practice patterns for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The main measure was survey responses from the division chiefs of pediatric otolaryngology reporting group practice.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 46%. Eighty-eight percent of groups reported an official adenotonsillectomy admission policy. Commonly reported admission criteria included age (93%) and obesity (59%). Eighty-eight percent of groups defined severe obstructive sleep apnea as apnea-hypopnea index ≥10. Only 41% of groups required a child to be observed sleeping on room air prior to ambulatory discharge. Ninety-seven percent of groups reported routinely obtaining preoperative polysomnography in a variety of clinical settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Many children's hospitals report an official admission policy following adenotonsillectomy. Despite a decade passing since the initial publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical practice guidelines, there remains great variability in the practice patterns for both preoperative polysomnography and postoperative monitoring and admission. These results highlight an opportunity for an improved unified approach to perioperative pediatric adenotonsillectomy practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 134:2931-2936, 2024.

Evaluation of Postoperative Efficacy and Safety of Celecoxib in Children Hospitalized After Adenotonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

The choice of optimal analgesia following an adenotonsillectomy is a clinical issue because of the risk of respiratory depression and bleeding. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of celecoxib on opioid use and pain scores in children hospitalized after adenotonsillectomy and to document its adverse effects.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We compared a group of subjects aged 1 to 17 years who were prescribed celecoxib and opioids between January 2017 and June 2020 following an adenotonsillectomy during a 3-day or less hospitalization to a group of matched controls for sex, age, and length of stay who were prescribed opioids.

RESULTS

A total of 228 patients were identified (76 in the celecoxib + opioids group, 152 in the control group). Opioid use, in oral morphine equivalent daily dose, was lower in the celecoxib + opioids group at 0 to 24 hours of hospitalization (0.15 vs 0.20 mg/kg/day, p = 0.05). Initiating celecoxib within 24 hours of surgery (n = 60) significantly reduced opioid requirement for up to 48 hours compared with controls (0-24 hours: 0.12 vs 0.20 mg/kg/day, p = 0.002; 25-48 hours: 0.02 vs 0.09 mg/kg/day, p = 0.001). A shorter length of stay was observed for patients receiving celecoxib + opioids during the first 24-hour post--operative period (27 vs 32 hours, p = 0.01). With celecoxib use, no significant change in pain scores and occurrence of adverse effects including bleeding was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Using celecoxib early after an adenotonsillectomy has reduced both opioid use and duration of hospital stay without increasing adverse effects or bleeding.

A scoping review of randomized clinical trials for pain management in pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy

Objectives

To examine the volume, topics, and reporting trends in the published literature of randomized clinical trials for pharmacologic pain management of pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy and to identify areas requiring further research.

Data Sources

PubMed (National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Library (Wiley).

Methods

A systematic search of four databases was conducted. Only randomized controlled or comparison trials examining pain improvement with a pharmacologic intervention in pediatric tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were included. Data collected included demographics, pain-related outcomes, sedation scores, nausea/vomiting, postoperative bleeding, types of drug comparisons, modes of administration, timing of administration, and identities of the investigated drugs.

Results

One hundred and eighty-nine studies were included for analysis. Most studies included validated pain scales, with the majority using visual-assisted scales (49.21%). Fewer studies examined pain beyond 24 h postoperation (24.87%), and few studies included a validated sedation scale (12.17%). Studies have compared several different dimensions of pharmacologic treatment, including different drugs, timing of administration, modes of administration, and dosages. Only 23 (12.17%) studies examined medications administered postoperatively, and only 29 (15.34%) studies examined oral medications. Acetaminophen only had four self-comparisons.

Conclusion

Our work provides the first scoping review of pain and pediatric tonsillectomy. With drug safety profiles considered, the literature does not have enough data to determine which treatment regimen provides superior pain control in pediatric tonsillectomy. Even common drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen require further research for optimizing the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain. The heterogeneity in study design and comparisons weakens the conclusions of potential systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Future directions include more noninferiority studies of unique comparisons and more studies examining oral medications given postoperatively.

Preoperative Predictors of Severe Respiratory Events After Tonsillectomy: Consideration for Pediatric Intensive Care Admission

OBJECTIVE

Few data are available to guide postadenotonsillectomy (AT) pediatric intensive care (PICU) admission. The aim of this study of children with a preoperative polysomnogram (PSG) was to assess whether preoperative information may predict severe respiratory events (SRE) after AT.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary center.

METHODS

Children aged 6 months to 17 years who underwent AT with preoperative polysomnography (2012-2018) were identified by billing codes. Data were extracted from medical records. SRE were defined as any 1 or more of desaturations <80% requiring intervention; newly initiated positive airway pressure; postoperative intubation; pneumonia/pneumonitis; respiratory code, cardiac arrest, or death. We hypothesized that SRE would be associated with age <24 months, major medical comorbidity, obesity (>95th percentile), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 30, and O₂ nadir <70% on PSG. Analysis was performed with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 1774 subjects, 28 (1.7%) experienced SRE. Compared to those without, children with SRE were on average younger (3 vs 5 years, p < .01) with a greater probability of medical comorbidities (59% vs 18%, p < .001). After adjustment for sex, black race, obesity, and age <24 months, children with major medical comorbidity were more likely than other children to have SRE (odds ratio [OR]: 14.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [5.7, 35.2]), as were children with AHI ≥ 30 (OR: 7.7 [3.0, 19.9]), or O₂ nadir <70% (OR 6.1 [2.1, 17.9]). Age, obesity, sex, and black race did not independently predict SRE.

CONCLUSION

PICU admission may be most prudent for children with complex medical co-morbidities, high AHI (>30), and/or low O₂ nadir (<70%).

Evaluation of Anterior and Posterior Pillar Suturing Following Adult Tonsillectomy in Terms of Hemorrhage, Pain, and Dysphagia Complications

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologists. Postoperative complications, although rare, can be observed in tonsillectomy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anterior and posterior pillar suturing on dysphagia, hemorrhage, and pain complications following tonsillectomy in adult patients. The study included 80 patients (32 males, 48 females; > 18 years) who underwent tonsillectomy. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, in which the tonsillar lodge was closed by anterior-posterior pillar suturing with a 3-0 chromic catgut suture after hemostatic compression and Group 2, in which the tonsillar lodge was exposed following hemostatic compression and bipolar cauterization. Post-surgical pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Oropharyngeal dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT)-10. None of the patients experienced postoperative primary hemorrhage. However, postoperative secondary hemorrhage was observed in seven patients, two from Group 1 and five from Group 2. There was no significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage between the two groups (p = 0.449). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the NRS scores on postoperative day 1 and at postoperative week 2 (p = 0.130 and 0.142, respectively) or the EAT-10 scores at postoperative week 2 and postoperative month 6 (p = 0.925 and 0.090, respectively). Anterior-posterior pillar suturing, which is performed for hemorrhage control after tonsillectomy, is not superior to the conventional bipolar method in terms of postoperative dysphagia, hemorrhage, and pain.

Association of Patient Characteristics With Postoperative Mortality in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy in 5 US States

IMPORTANCE

The rate of postoperative death in children undergoing tonsillectomy is uncertain. Mortality rates are not separately available for children at increased risk of complications, including young children (aged <3 y) and those with sleep-disordered breathing or complex chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate postoperative mortality following tonsillectomy in US children, both overall and in relation to recognized risk factors for complications.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study based on longitudinal analysis of linked records in state ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and emergency department discharge data sets distributed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 5 states covering 2005 to 2017. Participants included 504 262 persons younger than 21 years for whom discharge records were available to link outpatient or inpatient tonsillectomy with at least 90 days of follow-up.

EXPOSURES

Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Postoperative death within 30 days or during a surgical stay lasting more than 30 days. Modified Poisson regression with sample weighting was used to estimate postoperative mortality per 100 000 operations, both overall and in relation to age group, sleep-disordered breathing, and complex chronic conditions.

RESULTS

The 504 262 children in the cohort underwent a total of 505 182 tonsillectomies (median [IQR] patient age, 7 [4-12] years; 50.6% females), of which 10.1% were performed in young children, 28.9% in those with sleep-disordered breathing, and 2.8% in those with complex chronic conditions. There were 36 linked postoperative deaths, which occurred a median (IQR) of 4.5 (2-20.5) days after surgical admission, and most of which (19/36 [53%]) occurred after surgical discharge. The unadjusted mortality rate was 7.04 (95% CI, 4.97-9.98) deaths per 100 000 operations. In multivariable models, neither age younger than 3 years nor sleep-disordered breathing was significantly associated with mortality, but children with complex chronic conditions had significantly higher mortality (16 deaths/14 299 operations) than children without these conditions (20 deaths/490 883 operations) (117.22 vs 3.87 deaths per 100 000 operations; adjusted rate difference, 113.55 [95% CI, 51.45-175.64] deaths per 100 000 operations; adjusted rate ratio, 29.39 [95% CI, 13.37-64.62]). Children with complex chronic conditions accounted for 2.8% of tonsillectomies but 44% of postoperative deaths. Most deaths associated with complex chronic conditions occurred in children with neurologic/neuromuscular or congenital/genetic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among children undergoing tonsillectomy, the rate of postoperative death was 7 per 100 000 operations overall and 117 per 100 000 operations among children with complex chronic conditions. These findings may inform decision-making for pediatric tonsillectomy.

A Retrospective Review of Opioid Prescribing Practices for At-Risk Pediatric Populations Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obesity are at risk for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Although monitoring in the inpatient setting allows for early recognition of opioid-related adverse events, there is far less vigilance after ambulatory surgery as patients are discharged home. Guidelines for proper opioid dosing in these pediatric subsets have not been established. We sought to determine if at-risk children were more likely to receive doses of opioids outside the recommended range.

METHODS

Baseline opioid prescribing data for all outpatient surgery patients receiving an opioid prescription between January 2019 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with SDB or obesity were identified. To obtain more information about prescribing practices, we analyzed patient demographics, size descriptors used for calculations, and prescription characteristics (dose, duration, and prescribing surgical service).

RESULTS

A total of 4674 patients received an opioid prescription after outpatient surgery. Of those, 173 patients had SDB and 128 were obese. Surgical subspecialties rendering most of the opioid prescriptions included otolaryngology and orthopedics. Obese patients were more likely (64%) to be prescribed opioids using ideal weight at higher mg/kg doses (>0.05 mg/kg; 83.3%; p < 0.0001). When providers used actual body weight, lower mg/kg doses were more likely to be used (53.7%; p < 0.0001). No prescriptions used lean body mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight/obese children were more likely to receive opioid doses outside the recommended range. Variability in prescribing patterns demonstrates the need for more detailed guidelines to minimize the risk of opioid-induced respiratory complications in vulnerable pediatric populations.

Obstructive sleep apnoea and polymorphisms: implications for anaesthesia care

With a worldwide obesity pandemic, the incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing; obesity is the most significant risk factor in children. Increasing evidence suggests that OSA is in part mediated through markers of inflammation. Systemic and pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, prediabetes, and other conditions are common. Adenotonsillectomy improves only ~70% of children; 30% require other interventions, e.g. weight loss programs. The gold standard for diagnosis is a sleep-polysomnogram which are expensive and not readily available. The McGill oximetry score (saw-tooth desaturations during obstruction and arousal) is more cost-effective. Repeated episodes of desaturation alter the opioid receptors such that analgesia is achieved at much lower levels of opioid than in patients undergoing the same procedure but without OSA. This response is of great concern because a standard dose of opioids may be a relative overdose. Polymorphism variations in cytochrome CYP2D6 have major effects upon drug efficacy and side effects. Codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol are all prodrugs that require CYP2D6 for conversion to the active compound. CYP2D6 is quite variable and patients can be divided into 4 classes: For codeine for example, poor metaboliser (PM) have virtually no conversion to morphine, intermediate metabolisers (IM) have some conversion to morphine, extensive metabolisers (EM) have a normal rate of conversion to morphine, and ultra-rapid metabolisers (RM) convert excessive amounts of codeine to morphine. Such variations result in some patients achieving no analgesia because there is reduced conversion to the active moiety whereas others convert an excessive amount of drug to the active compound thus resulting in relative or actual overdose despite appropriate dosing. Thus, OSA patients may have both opioid sensitivity due to recurrent desaturations and altered drug metabolism resulting in higher than intended blood levels of opioid. OSA patients should only receive one-third to half the usual dose of opioid. In those under the age of six, an effort should be made to avoid opioids altogether and use opioid sparing techniques such as alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Transcutaneous CO2 Monitoring in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy for Sleep Disordered Breathing

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Children undergoing tonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing are at risk for respiratory compromise when narcotics are administered. Severe complications resulting from hypoxia can include neuro-devastation and death. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and utility of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) monitoring during and after adenotonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, Observational study.

METHODS

Twenty-nine children with sleep-disordered breathing scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were included in the study. Peri-operative measurements of tcPCO2 were compared against a single venous blood sample (PaCO2) and end-tidal (ET) CO2. The differences between ETCO2, tcPCO2 measures, and PaCO2 were examined using non-paired t-tests and linear regression. Parameters from PSG were recorded and associations with tcPCO2 values were performed using linear regression analysis. Group comparisons were made between pre-, intra-, and post-operative tcPCO2 measurements.

RESULTS

Similar to ETCO2, there was good correlation of tcPCO2 to PaCO2. Children with lower oxygen (O2) saturation nadirs had higher peak CO2 levels during surgery and spent a greater proportion of time with CO2 > 50 mmHg in the recovery room (P < .01 and P < .08). Other PSG measures (apnea-hypopnea index, O2 desaturation index, and peak CO2) did not have any significant correlation. Frequent episodes of hypercapnia were noted intra- and post-operatively and mean tcPCO2 values during both periods were significantly higher than baseline (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

tcPCO2 monitoring is viable in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy and can provide a good estimate of hypoventilation. tcPCO2 measurements may have particular benefit in the post-operative setting and may assist in identifying children at greater risk for respiratory complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1410-1415, 2021.

Intracapsular versus extracapsular dissection tonsillectomy for adults: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Tonsillectomy is an extremely common ENT surgical procedure. There is a growing interest in the role of intracapsular dissection tonsillectomy (ICDT) due to reported reduced perioperative complications. We aim to compare the outcomes associated with ICDT versus traditional extracapsular dissection tonsillectomy (ECDT) in the adult population.

METHODS

Systematic review of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICDT and ECDT for all indications in the adult population. Electronic searches performed through CENTRAL, PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP. Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 2014) was used to carry out the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs were included with a total of 11 reports with mean age of 23.9 years including 181 patients who received ICDT compared to 176 patients receiving ECDT. We found statistically significant reduced postoperative pain and analgesia requirement as well as a reduced rate of secondary postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing ICDT versus ECDT. There appears to be no significant difference in controlling recurrent tonsillitis between the ICDT and ECDT groups.

CONCLUSION

Across the recorded outcomes we noted no clear benefit to performing ECDT over ICDT and evidence suggests high patient satisfaction with ICDT. Laryngoscope, 130:2325-2335, 2020.

Effects of a posttonsillectomy management program using a mobile instant messenger on parents' knowledge and anxiety, and their children's compliance, bleeding, and pain

PURPOSE

Pediatric tonsillectomy is a highly common surgery for children. The inclusion of tonsillectomy in the diagnosis-related group payment system in Korea has resulted in a shorter hospital stay for patients who undergo tonsillectomy. This, in turn, provides parents with additional caregiver roles in the home.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a postdischarge management program (PDMP) using Mobile Instant Messenger (MIM) on parents' knowledge and state anxiety about postoperative care, and their children's compliance with care instructions at home, frequency of bleeding, and pain intensity after tonsillectomy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A nonequivalent control group nonsynchronized design.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 52 tonsillectomy children aged 3-7 years and their 52 parents (27 for the experimental group and 25 for the control group) from a hospital, in Korea. The control group received a routine written and oral predischarge education, while the experimental group received a predischarge education and a daily MIM for 7 days. For the experimental group, bidirectional communication between the nurse and parent when necessary using MIM are available during the intervention period.

RESULTS

Parents in the experimental group reported a significantly higher knowledge about postdischarge management and lower state anxiety than the control group. Children in the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in compliance with the care instructions at home than the control group. However, bleeding frequency and pain intensity were not significantly lower in the experimental group than that in the control group.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing the complications of tonsillectomy. Providing proper parental education about pediatric posttonsillectomy care at home is critical for a successful recovery. With the explosion of smartphone technology, the MIM-based PDMP is a useful and effective strategy in helping parents and children in posttonsillectomy care at home.

Enhanced interleukin-8 production in mononuclear cells in severe pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cognitive dysfunction. Current thinking links chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. However, the sequence of events leading to the morbidities associated with OSA is poorly understood in children. Monocytes are known to be altered by chronic hypoxia. Thus in this prospective study, we investigated inflammatory cytokine profiles from cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from children with severe OSA and sleep-related CIH.

Methods

Ten children with OSA (cases) and 5 age-matched children without OSA (controls) were recruited for study. Samples of plasma and PBMC were obtained before and after adenotonsillectomy. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), were measured in both plasma and ex vivo culture supernatants of PBMC incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using the cytometric bead assay.

Results

Upon activation of PBMC by LPS, the levels of IL-8 in the culture supernatants from cases were threefold higher than in controls. The levels of the other cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, in culture supernatant of PBMC from cases showed no difference from controls; nor were there significant differences in plasma cytokine levels.

Conclusion

We speculate that in young children with sleep-related CIH, an enhanced production capacity of IL-8 precedes the development of systemic inflammatory markers. Future work should evaluate IL-8 production capacity as a potential biomarker for OSA severity.

Is weight a predictive risk factor of postoperative tonsillectomy bleed?

Objective

To determine if a correlation exists between weight-for-age percentile and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in the pediatric population.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

1418 patients under the age of 15 who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy at a tertiary children's hospital between June 2012 and March 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographic information, operative and postoperative variables, as well as category and day of postoperative tonsillectomy bleed, if one occurred, were recorded. Fisher's exact and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed on the full cohort.

Results

The overall post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage prevalence was found to be 2.2%, with primary and secondary rates of 0.78% and 1.34%, respectively. Weight-for-age percentile, sex, indication for or method of tonsillectomy, or postoperative use of NSAIDs, antibiotics or narcotics were not significantly associated with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. There was a significant relationship between postoperative use of dexamethasone and higher rate of Category 3 post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (P = .028).

Conclusion

The post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage rate in our study is consistent with that cited in the literature. No correlation was demonstrated between weight-for-age percentile and occurrence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Postoperative administration of dexamethasone was associated with a significant increased rate of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring surgical intervention, a novel finding.

Level of Evidence

4.

Reducing post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage rates through a quality improvement project using a Swedish National quality register: a case study

Purpose

Tonsillectomy (TE) is one of the most frequently performed ENT surgical procedures. Post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) is a potentially life-threatening complication of TE. The National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden (NTSRS) has revealed wide variations in PTH rates among Swedish ENT centres. In 2013, the steering committee of the NTSRS, therefore, initiated a quality improvement project (QIP) to decrease the PTH incidence. The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the multicentre QIP initiated to decrease PTH rates.

Methods

Six ENT centres, all with PTH rates above the Swedish average, participated in the 7-month quality improvement project. Each centre developed improvement plans describing the intended changes in clinical practice. The project’s primary outcome variable was the PTH rate. Process indicators, such as surgical technique, were also documented. Data from the QIP centres were compared with a control group of 15 surgical centres in Sweden with similarly high PTH rates. Data from both groups for the 12 months prior to the start of the QIP were compared with data for the 12 months after the QIP.

Results

The QIP centres reduced the PTH rate from 12.7 to 7.1% from pre-QIP to follow-up; in the control group, the PTH rate remained unchanged. The QIP centres also exhibited positive changes in related key process indicators, i.e., increasing the use of cold techniques for dissection and haemostasis.

Conclusions

The rates of PTH can be reduced with a QIP. A national quality register can be used not only to identify areas for improvement but also to evaluate the impact of subsequent improvement efforts and thereby guide professional development and enhance patient outcomes.

Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Single-Dose Intravenous Acetaminophen for Pain Associated With Adenotonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

OBJECTIVES

Adequate pain control is an important component in the postoperative outcome for pediatric adenotonsillectomy patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Intravenous acetaminophen appears to be a favorable analgesic adjunct owing to its predictable pharmacokinetics and opioid-sparing effects; however, its role in pediatric adenotonsillectomy pain management remains unclear.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, subjects with the diagnosis of SDB, aged 2 to 8 years, who required extended postoperative admission, received intravenous acetaminophen (15 mg/kg) or saline placebo intraoperatively in addition to morphine (0.1 mg/kg) for postoperative surgical analgesia. Pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) using the FLACC (Faces, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability) score were used to determine the need for supplemental analgesic agents in the PACU. The PACU time and time to the first request for pain medication on the inpatient ward were also measured.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients were included in the final data analysis (118 in the intravenous acetaminophen group and 121 in the saline placebo group). The 2 groups did not differ in the proportion of patients reaching FLACC scores = 4 in the PACU (p = 0.223); mean FLACC scores in the PACU (p = 0.336); mean PACU time (p = 0.883); or time to requesting pain medication on the inpatient ward (p = 0.640).

CONCLUSIONS

A single intraoperative dose of intravenous acetaminophen did not alter the postoperative course of pediatric patients with SDB following adenotonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy Bleed Rates across the CHEER Practice Research Network: Pursuing Guideline Adherence and Quality Improvement

OBJECTIVES

(1) Compare postoperative bleeding in the CHEER network (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research) among age groups, diagnoses, and practice types. (2) Report the incidence of bleeding by individual CHEER practice site based on practice guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective data collection database review of the CHEER network based on ICD-9 and CPT codes related to tonsillectomy patients.

SETTING

Multisite practice-based network.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 8347 subjects underwent tonsillectomy as determined by procedure code within the retrospective data collection database, and 107 had postoperative hemorrhage. These subjects had demographic information and related diagnoses based on the CPT and ICD-9 codes collected. Postoperative ICD-9 and CPT codes were used to identify patients who also had postoperative bleed. Variables included age (<12 vs ≥12 years), diagnoses (infectious vs noninfectious), and practice type (community vs academic). Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression variables predictive of postoperative bleeding, with P < .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Thirteen sites contributed data to the study (7 academic, 6 community). There was postoperative bleeding for an overall bleed rate of 1.3%. Patients ≥12 years old had a significantly increased bleed rate when compared with the younger group (odds ratio, 5.98; 95% confidence interval: 3.79-9.44; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in bleed rates when practices or diagnoses were compared.

CONCLUSION

A site descriptor database built to expedite clinical research can be used for practice assessment and quality improvement. These data were also useful to identify patient risk factors for posttonsillectomy bleed.

Sleep and Breathing the First Night After Adenotonsillectomy in Obese Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

There are few studies measuring postoperative respiratory complications in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing adenotonsillectomy (AT). These complications are further compounded by perioperative medications. Our objective was to study obese children with OSA for their respiratory characteristics and sleep architecture on the night of AT.

METHODS

This was a prospective study at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 2009-February 2012. Twenty obese children between 8-17 years of age with OSA and adenotonsillar hypertrophy were recruited. Patients underwent baseline polysomnography (PSG) and AT with or without additional debulking procedures, followed by a second PSG on the night of surgery. Demographic and clinical variables, surgical details, perioperative anesthetics and analgesics, and PSG respiratory and sleep architecture parameters were recorded. Statistical tests included Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation between continuous variables and chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for differences between groups.

RESULTS

Baseline PSG showed OSA with mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) 27.1 ± 22.9, SpO₂ nadir 80.1 ± 7.9%, and sleep fragmentation-arousal index 25.5 ± 22.0. Postoperatively, 85% of patients had abnormal sleep studies similar to baseline, with postoperative oAHI 27.0 ± 34.3 (P = .204), SpO₂ nadir, 82.0 ± 8.7% (P = .462), and arousal index, 24.3 ± 24.0 (P = .295). Sleep architecture was abnormal after surgery, showing a significant decrease in REM sleep (P = .003), and a corresponding increase in N2 (P = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese children undergoing AT for OSA are at increased risk for residual OSA on the night of surgery. Special considerations should be taken for postoperative monitoring and treatment of these children.

COMMENTARY

A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 775.

Adenoidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Adenotonsillectomy is the recommended treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Since adenoidectomy alone may be associated with significantly lower morbidity, mortality, and cost, we aimed to investigate whether adenoidectomy alone is a reasonable and appropriate treatment for children with OSA.

METHODS

Five-hundred fifteen consecutive children diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > 5) based on polysomnography and who underwent adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy were reevaluated after 17-73 months (mean 41) for residual or recurrent OSA using a validated questionnaire (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, PSQ). Failure of OSA resolution was defined as a positive mean PSQ score ≥ 0.33. Contribution of age, obesity, tonsil size, and OSA severity at baseline to adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy failure was examined.

RESULTS

Positive PSQ score occurred in 15% of the entire sample and was not influenced by age or gender. No difference in failure rate was observed between adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy for children who were not obese with apnea-hypopnea index < 10 and had small tonsils (< 3). Children with apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 10 and/or tonsil size ≥ 3 showed a higher failure rate after adenoidectomy compared to adenotonsillectomy (20% versus 9.8%, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that subjective, long term outcomes of adenoidectomy are comparable to those of adenotonsillectomy in non-obese children under 7 years old with moderately OSA and small tonsils. Hence, adenoidectomy alone is a reasonable option in some children. Future prospective randomized studies are warranted to define children who may benefit from adenoidectomy alone and those children in whom adenoidectomy alone is unlikely to succeed.

The Effect of Systemic Magnesium on Postsurgical Pain in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy is a frequently performed surgical procedure in children; however, few multimodal analgesic strategies have been shown to improve postsurgical pain in this patient population. Systemic magnesium infusions have been shown to reliably improve postoperative pain in adults, but their effects in pediatric surgical patients remain to be determined. In the current investigation, our main objective was to evaluate the use of systemic magnesium to improve postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. We hypothesized that children who received systemic magnesium infusions would have less post-tonsillectomy pain than the children who received saline infusions.

METHODS

The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned using a computer-generated table of random numbers to 1 of the 2 intervention groups: systemic magnesium infusion (initial loading dose 30 mg/kg given over 15 minutes followed by a continuous magnesium infusion 10 mg/kg/h) and the same volume of saline. The primary outcome was pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) measured by FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) pain scores. Pain reduction was measured by the decrement in the area under the pain scale versus 90-minute postoperative time curve using the trapezoidal method. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption in the PACU, emergence delirium scores (measured by the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale), and parent satisfaction.

RESULTS

Sixty subjects were randomly assigned and 60 completed the study. The area under pain scores (up to 90 minutes) was not different between the study groups, median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 30 (0-120) score × min and 45 (0-135) score × min for the magnesium and control groups, respectively (P = 0.74). Similarly, there was no clinically significant difference in the morphine consumption in the PACU between the magnesium group, median (IQR) of 2.0 (0-4.44) mg IV morphine, compared with the control, median (IQR) of 2.5 (0-4.99) mg IV morphine (P = 0.25). The serum level of magnesium was significantly lower in the control group than in the treatment group at the end of the surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a large number of studies demonstrating the efficacy of systemic magnesium for preventing postsurgical pain in adults, we could not find evidence for a significant clinical benefit of systemic magnesium infusion in children undergoing tonsillectomies. Our findings reiterate the importance of validating multimodal analgesic strategies in children that have been demonstrated to be effective in the adult population.

Prognosis for Spontaneous Resolution of OSA in Children

BACKGROUND

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is commonly performed for childhood OSA syndrome (OSAS), but little is known about prognosis without treatment.

METHODS

The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) randomized 50% of eligible children with OSAS to a control arm (watchful waiting), with 7-month follow-up symptom inventories, physical examinations, and polysomnography. Polysomnographic and symptomatic resolution were defined respectively by an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) <2 and obstructive apnea index (OAI) <1 and by an OSAS symptom score (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire [PSQ]) < 0.33 with ≥ 25% improvement from baseline.

RESULTS

After 194 children aged 5 to 9 years underwent 7 months of watchful waiting, 82 (42%) no longer met polysomnographic criteria for OSAS. Baseline predictors of resolution included lower AHI, better oxygen saturation, smaller waist circumference or percentile, higher-positioned soft palate, smaller neck circumference, and non-black race (each P < .05). Among these, the independent predictors were lower AHI and waist circumference percentile < 90%. Among 167 children with baseline PSQ scores ≥ 0.33, only 25 (15%) experienced symptomatic resolution. Baseline predictors were low PSQ and PSQ snoring subscale scores; absence of habitual snoring, loud snoring, observed apneas, or a household smoker; higher quality of life; fewer attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms; and female sex. Only lower PSQ and snoring scores were independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Many candidates for AT no longer have OSAS on polysomnography after 7 months of watchful waiting, whereas meaningful improvement in symptoms is not common. In practice, a baseline low AHI and normal waist circumference, or low PSQ and snoring score, may help identify an opportunity to avoid AT.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00560859; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Complications of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in school-aged children

INTRODUCTION

Adenotonsillectomy is the treatment of choice for most children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but can lead to complications. Current guidelines recommend that high-risk children be hospitalized after adenotonsillectomy, but it is unclear which otherwise-healthy children will develop post-operative complications. We hypothesized that polysomnographic parameters would predict post-operative complications in children who participated in the Childhood AdenoTonsillectomy (CHAT) study.

METHODS

Children in the CHAT study aged 5-9 years with apnea hypopnea index 2-30/h or obstructive apnea index 1-20/h without comorbidities other than obesity/asthma underwent adenotonsillectomy. Associations between demographic variables and surgical complications were examined with Chi square and Fisher's exact tests. Polysomnographic parameters between subjects with/without complications were compared using Mann-Whitney tests.

RESULTS

Of the 221 children (median apnea hypopnea index 4.7/h, range 1.2-27.7/h; 31% obese), 16 (7%) children experienced complications. 3 (1.4%) children had respiratory complications including pulmonary edema, hypoxemia and bronchospasm. Thirteen (5.9%) had non-respiratory complications, including dehydration (4.5%), hemorrhage (2.3%) and fever (0.5%). There were no statistically significant associations between demographic parameters (gender, race, and obesity) or polysomnographic parameters (apnea hypopnea index, % total sleep time with SpO2<92%, SpO2 nadir, % sleep time with end-tidal CO2>50Torr) and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a low risk of post-adenotonsillectomy complications in school-aged healthy children with obstructive apnea although many children met published criteria for admission due to obesity, or polysomnographic severity. In this specific population, none of the polysomnographic or demographic parameters predicted post-operative complications. Further research could identify the patients at greatest risk of post-operative complications.

Haemorrhagic complications with adenotonsillectomy in children and young adults with bleeding disorders

Haemorrhagic complications remain a challenge with surgical procedures in patients with bleeding disorders. In children and young adults, the most commonly performed surgeries are tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies. Adequate haemostasis in these patients with bleeding disorders is centred on comprehensive perioperative haemostatic support and dexterous surgical technique. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative bleeding complications with tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in children and young adults with known bleeding disorders. Retrospective review of all patients aged <25 years with known bleeding disorders who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN between July 1992 and July 2012. In contrast to reported literature, we observed a higher rate of bleeding complications (10/19, 53%) despite aggressive haemostatic support and appropriate surgical techniques. Delayed bleeding (>24 h postoperatively) was more common than early bleeding; and recurrent bleeding was associated with older age. Children and young adults with haemorrhagic diatheses undergoing adenotonsillectomy are at a higher risk of delayed bleeding and require close monitoring with haemostatic support for a prolonged duration in the postoperative period. A uniform approach is needed to manage these patients perioperatively by establishing standard practice guidelines and ultimately reduce postsurgical bleeding complications.

Association of adenotonsillectomy with asthma outcomes in children: a longitudinal database analysis

BACKGROUND

Childhood asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), both disorders of airway inflammation, were associated in recent observational studies. Although childhood OSA is effectively treated by adenotonsillectomy (AT), it remains unclear whether AT also improves childhood asthma. We hypothesized that AT, the first line of therapy for childhood OSA, would be associated with improved asthma outcomes and would reduce the usage of asthma therapies in children.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using the 2003-2010 MarketScan database, we identified 13,506 children with asthma in the United States who underwent AT. Asthma outcomes during 1 y preceding AT were compared to those during 1 y following AT. In addition, 27,012 age-, sex-, and geographically matched children with asthma without AT were included to examine asthma outcomes among children without known adenotonsillar tissue morbidity. Primary outcomes included the occurrence of a diagnostic code for acute asthma exacerbation (AAE) or acute status asthmaticus (ASA). Secondary outcomes included temporal changes in asthma medication prescriptions, the frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits (ARERs), and asthma-related hospitalizations (ARHs). Comparing the year following AT to the year prior, AT was associated with significant reductions in AAE (30.2%; 95% CI: 25.6%-34.3%; p<0.0001), ASA (37.9%; 95% CI: 29.2%-45.6%; p<0.0001), ARERs (25.6%; 95% CI: 16.9%-33.3%; p<0.0001), and ARHs (35.8%; 95% CI: 19.6%-48.7%; p = 0.02). Moreover, AT was associated with significant reductions in most asthma prescription refills, including bronchodilators (16.7%; 95% CI: 16.1%-17.3%; p<0.001), inhaled corticosteroids (21.5%; 95% CI: 20.7%-22.3%; p<0.001), leukotriene receptor antagonists (13.4%; 95% CI: 12.9%-14.0%; p<0.001), and systemic corticosteroids (23.7%; 95% CI: 20.9%-26.5%; p<0.001). In contrast, there were no significant reductions in these outcomes in children with asthma who did not undergo AT over an overlapping follow-up period. Limitations of the MarketScan database include lack of information on race and obesity status. Also, the MarketScan database does not include information on children with public health insurance (i.e., Medicaid) or uninsured children.

CONCLUSIONS

In a very large sample of privately insured children, AT was associated with significant improvements in several asthma outcomes. Contingent on validation through prospectively designed clinical trials, this study supports the premise that detection and treatment of adenotonsillar tissue morbidity may serve as an important strategy for improving asthma control. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Acute pain management in infants and children-Part 2: Intravenous opioids, intravenous nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and managing adverse effects

The field of pediatric pain management continues to evolve, with ongoing changes in our appreciation of the impact of pain on our fragile patients, a better understanding of how to assess pain, and refinements of the medications and techniques used to provide analgesia to patients with acute pain of various etiologies. The following article reviews the use of intravenous opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Options to manage specific adverse effects that may occur with opioids are presented.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Surgery: Quality Improvement Imperatives and Opportunities

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in surgical candidates than in the general population and may increase susceptibility to perioperative complications that range from transient desaturation to catastrophic injuries. Understanding the potential impact of OSA on patients' surgical risk profile is of particular interest to otolaryngologists, who routinely perform airway procedures-including surgical procedures for treatment of OSA. Whereas the effects of OSA on long-term health outcomes are well documented, the relationship between OSA and surgical risk is not collinear, and clear consensus on the nature of the association is lacking. Better guidelines for optimization of pain control, perioperative monitoring, and surgical decision making are potential areas for quality improvement efforts. Many interventions have been suggested to mitigate the risk of adverse events in surgical patients with OSA, but wide variations in clinical practice remain. We review the current literature, emphasizing recent progress in understanding the complex pathophysiologic interactions noted in OSA patients undergoing surgery and outlining potential strategies to decrease perioperative risks.

Risk factors for desaturation after tonsillectomy: analysis of 4092 consecutive pediatric cases

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To identify clinical risk factors for oxygen desaturation in the first 24 hours post-tonsillectomy, thus permitting the identification of those patients who warrant inpatient monitoring.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 4092 consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy over a two-year period.

METHODS

Detailed clinical data were recorded for all patients who desaturated in the postoperative period (n = 294) and randomly selected controls (n = 368). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent risk factors for desaturation.

RESULTS

There were 294/4092 patients (7.2%) who experienced desaturations (defined as sustained saturations <90%) in the first 24 hours postoperatively (mean nadir, 78.7%). Multivariate analysis identified seven independent clinical risk factors for desaturation in the initial 24 hours post-tonsillectomy: trisomy 21, weight, coexistent cardiac disease, a coexistent syndromic diagnosis, a clinical diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a coexistent neurologic diagnosis, and a prior diagnosis of pulmonary disease. A policy that admits all patients exhibiting any one of these risk factors except OSA would have identified 92% of the patients who subsequently desaturated. However, such a policy would also have required admission of 60% of the patients in our control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Guidelines recently published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. In a tertiary care center, it may not be possible to identify an algorithm that admits all children at risk of desaturation while permitting the discharge of a high percentage of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b.