(July 20, 2009 - Insidermedicine)
Most of the benefits obtained by children with sleep disordered breathing who undergo surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids are maintained throughout the next few years, according to research published in the Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery.

Here is some information about sleep disordered breathing:

•    It refers to a group of disorders in which abnormal breathing patterns, such as pauses in breathing, or reduced ventilation occur during sleep

•    Sleep disordered breathing is not uncommon among children

•    Children with sleep disordered breathing are at increased risk for having or developing cardiovascular and behavioral problems.

Researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine analyzed follow-up data ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 years among over 40 children who had undergone surgical removal of their adenoids and tonsils to treat disordered breathing. These children had already shown improvements in sleep and various aspects of their behavior six months after the surgery.

Most of the benefits of surgery that were seen at 6 months were maintained for the longer follow-up period. This included improvements in sleep as well as in behavioral problems that included cognitive problems or inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional behavior. Only measurements of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remained similar to measurements that were taken before the children underwent surgery.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Julie Wei, MD, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today's research demonstrates how most of the benefits from surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids in children with sleep disordered breathing are maintained long term.

For Insidermedicine In Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma