The effects of adeno/tonsillectomy on cardiopulmonary function based on echocardiography indices in children with primary snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea

Cardiac Implications of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

This review investigates the relationship between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, often associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and cardiovascular health, particularly pulmonary hypertension. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using electronic databases, including Medline Pub-Med, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The study analyzed a total of 230 articles and screened 48 articles, with 20 included in the final analysis, involving 2429 children. The PRISMA flowchart visually illustrates the selection process, and the ROBINS-E and -I tools help ensure the reliability and validity of the evidence produced by these studies. These studies explored various aspects, including the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, cardiac anomalies, cardiac stress markers, risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, and the impact of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy on cardiac function. The research found that adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea are significant risk factors for cardiovascular complications, especially pulmonary hypertension, in children. Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy may provide effective treatments. Following adenoidectomy in relation to obstructive sleep apnea, there appears to be a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure during echocardiographic examination. However, the efficacy of these procedures can vary based on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and individual cardiac conditions. The study also identified concerns regarding data bias. The authors emphasize the need for well-designed clinical studies, including both healthy patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and vulnerable children with genetic disorders, to ensure that clinical decisions are based on solid scientific evidence.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea in cardiovascular risk in the pediatric population: A systematic review

While the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) in the adult population is well known, there is insufficient evidence to affirm something similar in the pediatric population. On the other hand, adenotonsillectomy has been shown to be an effective treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the association of sleep respiratory disorders in children with increased CVR and the impact of adenotonsillectomy in the literature. To this aim, a literature search was conducted, between 2002 to the present. After carrying out a systematic review, the following results were provided: thoracic echocardiography after surgery found improvements in terms of cardiac function and structure; blood pressure (BP) measurement, verified a tendency to higher BP values in the OSA pediatric population, which improved after surgery; different biomarkers of CVR, were increased in OSA patients and improved after treatment and finally; some studies found endothelial dysfunction in pediatric OSA, a measurement of vascular system function, was reversible with adenotonsillectomy. Increases in BP parameters, biological markers related to CVR and alterations in cardiac function structure, have been reported in pediatric patients with OSA. At least, some of these parameters would be reversible after adenotonsillectomy, reflecting a possible reduction in CVR.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Children: A Future Perspective Is Needed

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a prevalent, but still, today, underdiagnosed illness, which consists of repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep with important repercussions for sleep quality. OSA has relevant consequences in the pediatric population, mainly in the metabolic, cardiovascular (CV), and neurological spheres. However, contrary to adults, advances in diagnostic and therapeutic management have been scarce in the last few years despite the increasing scientific evidence of the deleterious consequences of pediatric OSA. The problem of underdiagnosis and the lack of response to treatment in some groups make an update to the management of OSA in children necessary. Probably, the heterogeneity of OSA is not well represented by the classical clinical presentation and severity parameters (apnea/hypopnea index (AHI)), and new strategies are required. A specific and consensus definition should be established. Additionally, the role of simplified methods in the diagnosis algorithm should be considered. Finally, the search for new biomarkers for risk stratification is needed in this population. In conclusion, new paradigms based on personalized medicine should be implemented in this population.