Adenotonsillectomy in children with sickle cell disease and obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and may be more severe in children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) compared to the general pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe the therapeutic effects and complications of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) for treatment of OSA in children with SCD.

METHODS

A comprehensive database of pediatric SCD patients was reviewed to identify all patients who underwent T&A between 2010 and 2016. An IRB-approved, retrospective review of laboratory values, perioperative course, pre- and post-T&A hospital utilization, and polysomnography was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 132 SCD children (108 HbSS) who underwent T&A. Mean age was 7.6 ± 4.6 years. The mean baseline hemoglobin of these patients was 9.3 ± 1.4 g/dL; 72.7% of patients had pre-operative transfusion, such that the mean Hb at time of T&A was 11.4 ± 1.0 g/dL. The average admission length surrounding T&A was 3.5 ± 1.2 days. Complications were documented in 11.4% of operative cases. Polysomnography was available in 104 pre-T&A and 45 post-T&A. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index decreased on post-T&A polysomnogram (7.6 ± 8.7 vs. 1.3 ± 1.9, p = 0.0001). The O2 nadir improved on post-T&A polysomnogram (81.2 ± 10.8 vs. 89.3 ± 7, p = 0.0003). Emergency room visits (mean events per year) decreased post-operatively (2.6 ± 2.8 vs. 1.8 ± 2.2, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

T&A can be a safe and effective option to treat OSA in pediatric patients with SCD and was significantly associated with reduced AHI and fewer ER visits post-operatively.