Factors Associated With Postadenotonsillectomy Unexpected Admissions in Children.

BACKGROUND: Postadenotonsillectomy unexpected admission remains an important challenge. Unexpected admissions can be quite frightening, increase health care burden, and cause unnecessary suffering in children and families. Identifying factors associated with postadenotonsillectomy unexpected admissions using a pragmatic approach could lead to a shift in the assessment and management of children presenting for adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Institutional review board (IRB) approval, consent, and assent were obtained for this single-center, prospective, observational study done in children aged 0-17 years undergoing tonsillectomy. Data were collected from direct observation, electronic medical record, and phone calls using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. Incidence, causes, and factors associated with 3-week and 3-day postadenotonsillectomy unexpected admissions were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 2375 children. Clinical intraoperative adverse events were reported in 6.2%. Three-week and 3-day unexpected admissions occurred in 7.9% and 5.9%, respectively, with bleeding being the commonest reason for both. On multivariable analysis, for 3-week unexpected admissions, the odds ratio was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.44-3.76) with using preoperative medications, 1.4 (1.02-1.97) with home medications for comorbidities, 0.56 (0.34-0.90) with using intraoperative acetaminophen, and 0.60 (0.36-0.94) with otolaryngologic preoperative comorbidity versus otherwise. For 3-day unexpected admissions, the odds ratio was 1.10 (1.05-1.16) with 1 U increase in total comorbidities, 1.70 (1.03-2.81) with the presence of recent upper respiratory infection, and 1.83 (1.16-2.90) with intravenous versus inhalational anesthesia induction. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study shows the factors that contribute to unexpected admissions postadenotonsillectomy. Identification of both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with unexpected admissions after adenotonsillectomy will enable appropriate risk mitigation.

Can overnight stenting be safely eliminated following a pharyngeal flap? A matched comparison study.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if overnight stenting is warranted after pharyngeal flap for management of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in pediatric patients METHODS: This is a retrospective age-matched cohort study from a single tertiary pediatric facility. Patients who underwent a posterior pharyngeal flap for VPI from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, were included. Two equal groups were constructed based on when their nasal stents were removed, that is, postoperative day (POD) 0 or POD 1. Primary outcome measure was oxygen desaturation after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were total length of stay, need for narcotics, and oral intake based on POD. Additional information was gathered and evaluated as possible prognostic variables. RESULTS: There were 27 matched pairs included in the study. One patient from each group required supplemental oxygen during the night of surgery. No escalation of care was needed in either case. The group whose stents were removed on POD 0 were discharged earlier than the group whose stents were removed on POD 1, P < 0.0001. The POD 0 group took significantly more oral intake on POD 0 than the POD 1 group, P = 0.03. The POD 0 group had significantly more genetic syndromes than the POD 1 group, P = 0.02. CONCLUSION: There was no benefit with overnight stenting. Earlier discharge from the hospital was achieved in the POD 0 group. No patient experienced need for reintubation, escalation of clinical care, postoperative hemorrhage, or death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:750-755, 2018.

Quality of life and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms after pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data from a randomized, controlled study of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were used to test the hypothesis that children undergoing surgery had greater quality of life (QoL) and symptom improvement than control subjects. The objectives were to compare changes in validated QoL and symptom measurements among children randomized to undergo adenotonsillectomy or watchful waiting; to determine whether race, weight, or baseline OSAS severity influenced changes in QoL and symptoms; and to evaluate associations between changes in QoL or symptoms and OSAS severity. METHODS: Children aged 5 to 9.9 years with OSAS (N = 453) were randomly assigned to undergo adenotonsillectomy or watchful waiting with supportive care. Polysomnography, the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory, the Sleep-Related Breathing Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, the 18-item Obstructive Sleep Apnea QoL instrument, and the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale were completed at baseline and 7 months. Changes in the QoL and symptom surveys were compared between arms. Effect modification according to race and obesity and associations between changes in polysomnographic measures and QoL or symptoms were examined. RESULTS: Greater improvements in most QoL and symptom severity measurements were observed in children randomized to undergo adenotonsillectomy, including the parent-completed Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (effect size [ES]: 0.37), the 18-item Obstructive Sleep Apnea QoL instrument (ES: -0.93), the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ES: -0.42), and the Sleep-Related Breathing Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (ES: -1.35). Effect modification was not observed by obesity or baseline severity but was noted for race in some symptom measures. Improvements in OSAS severity explained only a small portion of the observed changes. CONCLUSIONS: Adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting resulted in significantly more improvements in parent-rated generic and OSAS-specific QoL measures and OSAS symptoms.

Growth after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea: an RCT.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may lead to weight gain, which can have deleterious health effects when leading to obesity. However, previous data have been from nonrandomized uncontrolled studies, limiting inferences. This study examined the anthropometric changes over a 7-month interval in a randomized controlled trial of adenotonsillectomy for OSAS, the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial. METHODS: A total of 464 children who had OSAS (average apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] 5.1/hour), aged 5 to 9.9 years, were randomized to Early Adenotonsillectomy (eAT) or Watchful Waiting and Supportive Care (WWSC). Polysomnography and anthropometry were performed at baseline and 7-month follow-up. Multivariable regression modeling was used to predict the change in weight and growth indices. RESULTS: Interval increases in the BMI z score (0.13 vs. 0.31) was observed in both the WWSC and eAT intervention arms, respectively, but were greater with eAT (P < .0001). Statistical modeling showed that BMI z score increased significantly more in association with eAT after considering the influences of baseline weight and AHI. A greater proportion of overweight children randomized to eAT compared with WWSC developed obesity over the 7-month interval (52% vs. 21%; P < .05). Race, gender, and follow-up AHI were not significantly associated with BMI z score change. CONCLUSIONS: eAT for OSAS in children results in clinically significant greater than expected weight gain, even in children overweight at baseline. The increase in adiposity in overweight children places them at further risk for OSAS and the adverse consequences of obesity. Monitoring weight, nutritional counseling, and encouragement of physical activity should be considered after eAT for OSAS.

A randomized trial of adenotonsillectomy for childhood sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Adenotonsillectomy is commonly performed in children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, yet its usefulness in reducing symptoms and improving cognition, behavior, quality of life, and polysomnographic findings has not been rigorously evaluated. We hypothesized that, in children with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without prolonged oxyhemoglobin desaturation, early adenotonsillectomy, as compared with watchful waiting with supportive care, would result in improved outcomes. METHODS: We randomly assigned 464 children, 5 to 9 years of age, with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome to early adenotonsillectomy or a strategy of watchful waiting. Polysomnographic, cognitive, behavioral, and health outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 7 months. RESULTS: The average baseline value for the primary outcome, the attention and executive-function score on the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (with scores ranging from 50 to 150 and higher scores indicating better functioning), was close to the population mean of 100, and the change from baseline to follow-up did not differ significantly according to study group (mean [±SD] improvement, 7.1±13.9 in the early-adenotonsillectomy group and 5.1±13.4 in the watchful-waiting group; P=0.16). In contrast, there were significantly greater improvements in behavioral, quality-of-life, and polysomnographic findings and significantly greater reduction in symptoms in the early-adenotonsillectomy group than in the watchful-waiting group. Normalization of polysomnographic findings was observed in a larger proportion of children in the early-adenotonsillectomy group than in the watchful-waiting group (79% vs. 46%). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with a strategy of watchful waiting, surgical treatment for the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in school-age children did not significantly improve attention or executive function as measured by neuropsychological testing but did reduce symptoms and improve secondary outcomes of behavior, quality of life, and polysomnographic findings, thus providing evidence of beneficial effects of early adenotonsillectomy. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; CHAT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00560859.).

Pureed by gastrostomy tube diet improves gagging and retching in children with fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Children with feeding disorders requiring Nissen fundoplication may develop gagging and retching following gastrostomy feedings. We developed a "pureed by gastrostomy tube" (PBGT) diet in an attempt to treat these symptoms and provide adequate nutrition and hydration. METHODS: Children post- fundoplication surgery with symptoms of gagging and retching with gastrostomy feedings were selected from our interdisciplinary feeding team. An individualized PBGT diet was designed to meet the child's nutrition goals. The child's weight gain was recorded at each follow-up visit. A telephone survey was performed to determine parents' perceptions of the child's symptoms and oral feeding tolerance. RESULTS: Thirty-three children (mean age, 34.2 months) participated in the trial. Average weight gain on the PBGT diet was 6.2 g/d. Seventeen children (52%) were reported to have a 76%-100% reduction in gagging and retching. Twenty-four children (73%) were reported to have a ≥ 50% decrease in symptoms. No child had worsened symptoms on the PBGT diet. Nineteen children (57%) were reported to have an increase in oral intake on the PBGT diet. CONCLUSIONS: A PBGT diet is an effective means of providing nutrition to children with feeding disorders. In children post-fundoplication surgery, a PBGT diet may decrease gagging and retching behaviors.

Real-time assessment of perioperative behaviors and prediction of perioperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: New onset maladaptive behaviors, such as temper tantrums, nightmares, bed-wetting, attention-seeking, and fear of being alone are common in children after outpatient surgery. Preoperative anxiety, fear and distress behaviors of children predict postoperative maladaptive behaviors as well as emergence delirium. Parental anxiety has also been found to influence children's preoperative anxiety. Currently, there is no real-time and feasible tool to effectively measure perioperative behaviors of children and parents. We developed a simple and real-time scale, the Perioperative Adult Child Behavioral Interaction Scale (PACBIS) to assess perioperative child and parent behaviors that might predict postoperative problematic behavior and emergence excitement. METHODS: We used the PACBIS to evaluate perioperative behaviors during anesthetic induction and recovery in a sample of 89 children undergoing tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies, and their parents. Preoperative anxiety with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, compliance with induction of anesthesia with Induction Compliance Checklist, and incidence of emergence excitement were also recorded. RESULTS: The PACBIS demonstrated good concurrent validity with modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and Induction Compliance Checklist and predicted postanesthetic emergence excitement. DISCUSSION: The PACBIS is the first real-time scoring instrument that evaluates children's and parents' perioperative behavior. The specific behaviors identified by the PACBIS might provide targets for interventions to improve perioperative experiences and postoperative outcomes.

Growth velocity predicts recurrence of sleep-disordered breathing 1 year after adenotonsillectomy.

RATIONALE: Adenotonsillectomy, the first line of treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is the most commonly performed pediatric surgery. Predictors of the recurrence of SDB after adenotonsillectomy and its impact on cardiovascular risk factors have not been identified. OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate that gain velocity in body mass index (BMI) defined as unit increase in BMI/year confers an independent risk for the recurrence of SDB 1 year after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Children with SDB and hypertrophy of the tonsils and a comparison group of healthy children were followed prospectively for 1 year. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serial polysomnographies, BMI, and blood pressure were obtained before adenotonsillectomy and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Gain velocity in BMI, BMI and being African American (odds ratios, 4-6/unit change/yr; 1.4/unit and 15, respectively) provided equal amounts of predictive power to the risk of recurrence of SDB. In the group that experienced recurrence, systolic blood pressure at 1 year was higher than at baseline and higher than in children who did not experience recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Three clinical parameters confer independent increased risk for high recurrence of SDB after adenotonsillectomy: gain velocity in BMI, obesity, and being African American. A long-term follow-up of children with SDB and monitoring of gain velocity in BMI are essential to identifying children at risk for recurrence of SDB and in turn at risk for hypertension.

Structural cardiac changes as a predictor of respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep in children.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the association between structural cardiac changes and postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight children, ages 2-18 years, undergoing adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep were recruited for this case control study. The case group consisted of 24 children with postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy who also had an echocardiogram. An equal number of children without postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy were recruited as controls. Left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated from 2D guided M mode echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated as left ventricular mass/height(2.7). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as LVMI index greater than the 95th percentile for age. The two groups were compared for demographic variables and cardiac structure. RESULTS: The two groups did not significantly differ by age, height, gender or racial distribution. LVH and right ventricular (RV) dimension greater than the 95th percentile for age remained significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications after controlling for body mass index (BMI) Z score, age, gender, race, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The increased prevalence of structural cardiac changes in the group with complications (P<0.01) suggests an underlying cardiac origin for postoperative respiratory complications in this group of children.