Related Experiment Videos
Short stature caused by obstructive apnoea during sleep
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1984
Insights
Obstructive sleep apnea in a child caused short stature. Tonsillectomy resolved the condition, leading to a significant increase in growth rate, from 4.0 cm/year to 13.6 cm/year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Short stature is a common concern in pediatric growth clinics.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can impact a child's overall health and development.
- The relationship between OSA and growth velocity requires further investigation.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old female presented with idiopathic short stature.
- Diagnostic workup revealed obstructive sleep apnea.
- The patient underwent tonsillectomy to address the sleep apnea.
Findings:
- Post-tonsillectomy, the patient's obstructive sleep apnea symptoms resolved.
- Her linear growth rate significantly increased from 4.0 cm/year to 13.6 cm/year.
- This suggests a direct correlation between OSA treatment and improved growth.
Implications:
- Tonsillectomy may be an effective intervention for short stature associated with OSA in children.
- Early diagnosis and management of OSA are crucial for optimizing pediatric growth.
- Further research should explore the mechanisms linking OSA to growth impairment and the benefits of its treatment.
Abstract:
A 5 year old girl presented to a growth clinic with short stature. Obstructive sleep apnoea was diagnosed. After tonsillectomy her symptoms were alleviated and her rate of growth increased from 4.0 cm/year to 13.6 cm/year.