Measurements of craniofacial morphology using photogrammetry in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the craniofacial morphology in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) using nonradiation and readily accessible photogrammetry technique. METHODS: Included children aged 3-18 years with SDB-related symptoms from April 2019 to February 2020 in a tertiary center. All participants underwent craniofacial photogrammetry and overnight polysomnography (PSG). Participants were stratified into 2 groups (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] group: apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 1 and non-OSA group: AHI <1). Craniofacial photogrammetry was performed to derive variables of craniofacial features in standardized frontal and profile views. The 2 groups were propensity score matched based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Associations between craniofacial feature variables and OSA (AHI ≥1) likelihood were examined using logistic regression test. intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability. RESULTS: In total, 58 children were enrolled for the analysis after matching. All 3 variables representing the mandibular plane angle in the profile view were increased in the OSA group (mego-tn: 34.85 ± 5.99 vs 31.65 ± 5.96°, odds ratio [OR]: 1.10, 95% CI:1.02 to 1.18, P = .01; tn-gogn: 28.65 ± 6.38 vs 25.91 ± 5.38°, OR: 1.08, 95% CI:1.02 to 1.15, P = .012; and gome-tsup: 26.71 ± 6.13 vs 22.20 ± 5.89°, OR: 1.13, 95% CI:1.04 to 1.23, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Craniofacial photogrammetry revealed increased mandibular inclination in children with OSA. A steep mandibular plane with craniofacial photogrammetry is considered a potential predictor of pediatric OSA. Further investigation with a large sample size is required to clarify the validity of photogrammetry in evaluating pediatric OSA.

Postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy in adults: Analysis of population-based inpatient cohort in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: Because of the lack of population-based analyses, this study elucidated the epidemiology and 30-day postoperative complications of inpatient adult tonsillectomies in Taiwan. METHODS: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified all inpatient adult tonsillectomies (age>20years) in Taiwan during 1997-2012 through International Codes of Diseases, 9th Revision. Trend of the inpatient tonsillectomy in adult during the study period was explored. Major complications of readmission, reoperation, and mortality within 30days after tonsillectomies were identified. Factors associated with major complications were analyzed using multivariate logistic model. RESULTS: In total, 27,365 adults received inpatient tonsillectomies (mean age, 38.4±13.0years; 57.2% male). The overall incidence was 10.2 per 100,000 population per year among adults. Incidence rates increased from 1997 (8.2/100,000 adults) to 2012 (11.2/100,000 adults) (P trend<0.001). The rate of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, reoperation for bleeding, and mortality were 4.9%, 2.2%, 1%, and 0.1%, respectively. Young age increased the risk of bleeding-related readmission and reoperation, whereas old age increased the risk of readmission for any reason and mortality. Male gender increased the risk of all major complications. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of bleeding-related readmission (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-2.92) and reoperation (OR=2.17; 95% CI 1.44-3.27). Existing catastrophic illness increased the risk of readmission (OR=4.28; 95% CI 3.60-5.08) for any reason and mortality (OR=3.24; 95% CI 1.37-7.65). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids were associated with an increased risk of readmission or reoperation for bleeding. CONCLUSION: Incidence rates of inpatient adult tonsillectomy increased during 1997-2012 in Taiwan. Age, gender, comorbidity, and drug administration characteristics were associated with major complications of adult tonsillectomies in this cohort.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children With Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome. METHODS: Two authors independently searched databases, namely PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Review database. The keywords used were "Down syndrome," "Trisomy 21," "OSA," "sleep apnea syndromes," "polysomnography" and "polygraphy." The prevalence of OSA based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 1, 1.5, 2, 5, and 10 event/h was estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted for children in different countries, sample size, study year, and risk of bias. Finally, the prevalence of OSA was compared between two types of sleep studies (polysomnography versus polygraphy). RESULTS: A total of 18 studies (1,200 children) were included (mean age: 7.7 years; 56% boys; mean sample size: 67 patients). Five studies had low risk of bias, and nine and four studies had moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. The OSA was evaluated through polygraphy in 2 studies, and polysomnography in 16 studies. For children who underwent polysomnography, the prevalences of OSA based on AHI > 1, 1.5, 2, 5, and 10 events/h were 69%, 76%, 75%, 50%, and 34%, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference among all subgroups. Meta-regression showed that AHI > 5 events/h was inversely correlated with age (P < .001). Moreover, the prevalence of OSA based on AHI > 1.5 events/h was lower in polygraphy compared with polysomnography (59% versus 76%, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: OSA is highly prevalent in children with Down syndrome. Prevalence of moderate to severe OSA is higher in younger age.

Population-based survey of inpatient pediatric tonsillectomy and postoperative hemorrhage in Taiwan, 1997-2012.

OBJECTIVE: Tonsil surgery in children is a common surgical procedure, and is mostly performed as an inpatient procedure in Taiwan. This study elucidates the epidemiology and postoperative hemorrhage of inpatient tonsillectomies in Taiwanese children. METHODS: This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for analysis. From 1997 to 2012, all in-hospital children (aged <18 years) who underwent tonsillectomies were identified through the International Codes of Diseases (9th Revision). Incidence rates and trends of inpatient pediatric tonsillectomies during the study period were identified. Major complications, including readmission, reoperation, and mortality were identified. The factors associated with major complications were analyzed. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2012, 17326 children received inpatient tonsillectomies (mean age, 8.6 ±â€¯3.8 y; 65% boys). The overall incidence rate was 20.6 per 100,000 children. The incidence rate was highest in children who were 6-8 years of age, and boys exhibited a higher rate than girls (P < 0.001). Longitudinal data indicated that the incidence rate increased from 1997 (15.7/100,000 children) to 2012 (19.2/100,000 children) (P trend < 0.001). The proportions of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, and reoperation were 1.8%, 0.9%, and 0.3%, respectively. No mortality occurred within 30 days of the tonsillectomy. A multivariable logistic model indicated that toddlers were associated with an increased risk of readmission for any reason (OR, 2.70; 95% CI 1.60-4.56), and adolescents were at risk of bleeding-related readmission (OR, 2.81; 95% CI 1.91-4.14) and reoperation (OR, 2.86; 95% CI 1.47-5.55). Children with comorbidities (OR, 3.14; 95% CI 1.93-5.09) or a surgical indication of tumor (OR, 11.73; 95% CI 4.93-27.91) had a higher risk of readmission. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids is associated with an increased risk of readmission or reoperation. Moreover, concurrent procedures (i.e., adenoidectomy, ear surgery, or nasal surgery) did not increase the risk of readmission or reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate and indications of obstructive sleep disorders for inpatient pediatric tonsillectomy increased during 1997-2012 in Taiwan. Postoperative readmission and reoperation were rare. Age, surgical indication, comorbidities, and drug administration were associated with readmission or reoperation in this study cohort.