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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Nasal obstruction in children with sleep-disordered breathing
Shannon Sullivan1, Kasey Li, Christian Guilleminault
1Stanford University Sleep Medicine Program, Stanford CA, USA.
Radiofrequency treatment of enlarged inferior nasal turbinates safely and effectively improves sleep-disordered breathing (SBD) in young children. This treatment should be considered for prepubertal children with SBD, though recurrence may require repeat therapy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Rhinology
Background:
- Nasal obstruction from enlarged inferior turbinates is a significant factor in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SBD).
- Treatments targeting turbinate enlargement are often underutilized in prepubertal children.
- Understanding the impact of untreated turbinate enlargement on SBD is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contribution of untreated enlarged nasal turbinates to SBD in prepubertal children.
- To report on the experience and outcomes of treating enlarged nasal turbinates in young children with SBD.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) alone versus T&A with turbinate reduction for SBD improvement.
- Radiofrequency ablation of inferior nasal turbinates in children with untreated hypertrophy.
- Evaluation of postoperative apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) changes.
Main Results:
- Concomitant turbinate reduction showed greater AHI improvement than T&A alone.
- Radiofrequency ablation significantly improved AHI in children with turbinate hypertrophy.
- The radiofrequency procedure was found to be safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency (RF) treatment of inferior turbinates is a safe and effective SBD intervention for young children.
- RF turbinate reduction should be integrated into SBD treatment plans for prepubertal children when indicated.
- Long-term effectiveness varies, and retreatment may be necessary if turbinate hypertrophy recurs.
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