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Obstructive sleep apnoea in adult patients post-tonsillectomy
Renata L Riha1, Serafeim-Chrysovalantis Kotoulas1, Athanasia Pataka2
1Sleep Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Department of Sleep Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Sleep Medicine
|January 16, 2021
Summary
Tonsillectomy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with less severe OSA and fewer comorbidities. This large European study found tonsillectomy patients had lower BMI, sleep latency, and oxygen desaturation.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Cardiology
Background:
- The impact of tonsillectomy on adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been understudied in large populations.
- Upper airway lymphoid tissue removal, specifically tonsillectomy, is a common procedure with potential implications for OSA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare OSA severity and the prevalence of associated cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory conditions.
- To evaluate differences between adult OSA patients with and without a history of tonsillectomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA) including 19,711 adult patients.
- Compared patients with prior tonsillectomy (n=146) against those without (n=19,565).
- Analyzed differences in demographics, OSA severity metrics (e.g., ODI, SpO2), and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Patients with tonsillectomy had significantly lower BMI, subjective sleep latency, and oxygen desaturation index (ODI).
- Lower prevalence of Type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension was observed in the tonsillectomy group.
- The tonsillectomy group showed a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia and were less likely to require CPAP therapy.
Conclusions:
- In a large European cohort, adult OSA patients who underwent tonsillectomy presented with less severe OSA at diagnosis.
- Tonsillectomy was associated with a reduced prevalence of key comorbidities, including Type II diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
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