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Does Tonsillectomy Increase Obesity Risk in Children with Down Syndrome?
Amanda G Ruiz1, Dexiang Gao2, David G Ingram3
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital-Colorado, Aurora, CO.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 16, 2019
Summary
Tonsillectomy did not change weight trends in children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight trajectory remained similar whether or not surgery resolved OSA, indicating no differential impact on obesity risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in children with Down syndrome.
- Weight management is a significant concern in this population.
- Tonsillectomy is a common treatment for OSA in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between tonsillectomy and weight changes in children with Down syndrome and OSA.
- To determine if surgical success in resolving OSA impacts weight trajectory.
- To assess the effect of tonsillectomy on obesity risk in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 78 children with Down syndrome undergoing tonsillectomy for OSA.
- Analysis of pre- and postoperative polysomnograms and weight data (BMI %p95) within 6 months of surgery.
- Regression analyses comparing BMI trajectories based on OSA resolution post-tonsillectomy.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the best-fit curves of BMI %p95 before and after tonsillectomy.
- BMI %p95 trajectories did not differ between patients with OSA resolution and those with residual OSA post-surgery.
- Tonsillectomy did not alter the BMI trajectory in children with Down syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Tonsillectomy does not alter the BMI trajectory of children with Down syndrome.
- Surgery does not differentially affect obesity risk based on OSA resolution status.
- Weight management requires continued attention in children with Down syndrome and OSA, irrespective of tonsillectomy outcomes.
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