Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2006 Feb;49(2):187-193.

Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Inattention and Hyperactivity in Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing

• Koo BJ
• Park KH
• Park JJ
• Choi SM
• Kwon SU
• Yoon SW
• Koo YJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common problem in the otolaryngology clinic and adenotonsillar hypertrophy is thought to be one of the most common etiologic factors. SDB possibly exhibits problems of behavioral regulation, such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of adenotonsillectomy on inattention and hyperactivity in children.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
We selected 54 pediatric patients with sleep disordered breathing. Adenotonsillectomy was performed for all patients. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and the degree of SDB were evaluated preoperatively. The degree of inattention and hyperactivity was evaluated by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale-IV (ADHD RS-IV) before and after surgery.
RESULTS
ADHD RS-IV score showed significant improvement after the operation in most children with SDB. But the improvement of ADHD RS-IV was not associated with the degree of adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, much improvement in postoperative ADHD RS-IV was observed with children having higher preoperative ADHD RS-IV and/or SDB scale.
CONCLUSION
Adenotonsillectomy seems to improve inattention and hyperactivity in most children with SDB. Improvement is more apparent in children with severe sleep disturbance and severe attention deficit and hyperactivity.

Keyword

Sleep disordered breathing; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Tonsillectomy; Adenoidectomy

MeSH Terms

Adenoidectomy
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
Child*
Humans
Hypertrophy
Impulsive Behavior
Otolaryngology
Sleep Apnea Syndromes*
Tonsillectomy