The management of residual OSA post-adenotonsillectomy in children with down syndrome: The experience of a large tertiary sleep service
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First published online 01 September 2023
Why this study was done
Children with Down syndrome often have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids (adenotonsillectomy) is the usual first treatment, but many children still have OSA afterwards. This study looked at how a major sleep service cared for children with ongoing OSA after surgery.
What the study did
Researchers reviewed medical records for 100 children with Down syndrome who were assessed for ongoing OSA at Queensland Children’s Hospital between 2013 and 2022. They looked at sleep study results after surgery and the treatments recommended for remaining sleep problems.
What the study found
68% of children still had some sleep-disordered breathing after surgery.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) was recommended for 41 children and most used it successfully long-term.
About one-third of children eventually stopped using CPAP after roughly 18 months as their OSA improved.
What this means
Children with Down syndrome need ongoing monitoring after airway surgery because many still have OSA. CPAP is an effective and manageable treatment for most children. Regular follow-up is important, as some children may improve over time and no longer need CPAP.
This study was conducted by:
Ms. Sarah Tanner, Dr. Andrew Collaro & Dr. Jasneek Chawla
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
First published online 01 September 2023
Why this study was done
Children with Down syndrome often have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids (adenotonsillectomy) is the usual first treatment, but many children still have OSA afterwards. This study looked at how a major sleep service cared for children with ongoing OSA after surgery.
What the study did
Researchers reviewed medical records for 100 children with Down syndrome who were assessed for ongoing OSA at Queensland Children’s Hospital between 2013 and 2022. They looked at sleep study results after surgery and the treatments recommended for remaining sleep problems.
What the study found
68% of children still had some sleep-disordered breathing after surgery.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) was recommended for 41 children and most used it successfully long-term.
About one-third of children eventually stopped using CPAP after roughly 18 months as their OSA improved.
What this means
Children with Down syndrome need ongoing monitoring after airway surgery because many still have OSA. CPAP is an effective and manageable treatment for most children. Regular follow-up is important, as some children may improve over time and no longer need CPAP.
This study was conducted by:
Ms. Sarah Tanner, Dr. Andrew Collaro & Dr. Jasneek Chawla
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
