Evaluation of the upper airway in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may be associated with the presence of upper airway obstruction caused by chronic infection and nasal polyposis that may also contribute to OSAS severity. Our objective was to identify the profile of findings in CF and OSAS patients by performing upper airway examinations. METHODOLOGY: Observational, cross-sectional study involving 63 children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 14 with CF. All patients answered a questionnaire and underwent a standard otolaryngology examination, including an endoscopic nasal and nocturnal polysomnography. OSAS diagnosis was confirmed if the obstructive apnea index was >or=1. RESULTS: OSAS was identified in 35 (55.6%) patients. The upper airway findings were evaluated using multiple correspondence factorial analysis. The OSAS group presented with overjet >2mm, enlarged pharyngeal pillars, palatine tonsils and pharyngeal tonsils hypertrophy, ogival hard palates and characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: Bone and soft tissue structural alterations of the upper airway and chronic rhinosinusitis were associated with the OSAS group patients.