Adenotonsillectomy Linked to Fewer Healthcare Visits in Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing

A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that adenotonsillectomy, the surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, can significantly reduce medical office visits and prescription medication use in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, indicated a 32% decrease in doctor visits and a 48% reduction in prescribed medications for those undergoing the surgery.

Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses a range of breathing difficulties during sleep, from loud snoring to intermittent breathing pauses. An estimated 6 to 17% of children in the United States experience this issue. While adenotonsillectomy is commonly utilized for moderate to severe cases, the study sought to assess its impact specifically in children with milder forms of SDB.

A clinical trial involving 459 children and adolescents, aged 3 to 12 years, was conducted between 2016 and 2021 across seven academic sleep centers in the U.S. Participants were divided into two groups: one received adenotonsillectomy, while the other underwent supportive care, which included education on healthy sleep habits and referrals for untreated allergies or asthma. After one year, children who had the surgery experienced 32% fewer healthcare encounters and required 48% fewer prescriptions compared to those who did not.

Quantitatively, this translates to 125 fewer healthcare encounters and 253 fewer prescriptions per 100 children in the year following surgery. This reduction was especially noted for office visits and outpatient procedures related to sleep and respiratory issues, although the exact reasons for the improved healthcare outcomes remain unclear.

This study, authored by Bakker JP and colleagues, highlights the potential benefits of adenotonsillectomy in improving the health and quality of life for children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. For further inquiries, Dr. Marishka Brown, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research at NIH, is available for interviews.