PEDIATRIC OSAS TREATED WITH ADENOIDECTOMY: A COHORT STUDY CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF PALERMO, ITALY

Abstract

The incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in the pediatric population is about 2%. The

diagnosis is based on the employment of questionnaires, and polysomnography (PSG) that is the gold

standard also among children. The PSG allows to classify OSAS as mild in case of 1< Apnea Hypopnea

Index (AHI) ≤5, moderate if 5< AHI ≤10 and severe OSAS when the AHI is >10. If polysomnography is

not available, we need alternative diagnostic tests such as nocturnal oximetry studies and respiratory

polygraphy. The risk factors identified are different from adults, first tonsillar hypertrophy wins over

others. The symptoms and signs described are similar to adult population, but sleep enuresis,

neurocognitive impairment and behavioral problems (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning

problems) are typical of pediatric OSAS.