Haematologic Markers and Tonsil-to-Body Weight Ratio to Assist Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy Diagnosis

Aims Diagnosis of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy (ATH), the leading cause of pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), depends on physical exam via Brodsky's staging of tonsils. This study investigates the associations of ATH with patient parameters, and balances in-office tonsil hypertrophy appraisal against true organ mass. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort was formed of 103 children operated for ATH, and 31 matched controls. Demographic, clinical and tympanographic data, as well as Complete Blood Count (CBC) indices were compared. Absolute and relative to total body weight tonsil specimen mass were correlated with Brodsky's score. Results Tonsillar size indices were significantly raised in ATH patients. Elevated leukocytes (P = 0.012) and increased neutrophil percentage (P = 0.025) conveyed higher ATH risk. Subjective evaluation of tonsils graded 1 or 2 correlated significantly with absolute (P = 0.001) and relative (P = 0.006) objective measurements. Brodsky's score 3 and 4 displayed marginal significant association with relative (P = 0.050) but not with true (P = 0.989) mass. Conclusion An occult hematologic inflammatory response was detected in ATH children. Clinical estimation of severely hypertrophic tonsils should be adjusted for total body weight. Trial Registration Number: NCT03541434 (clinicaltrials.gov).