Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate height and weight changes according to adenotonsillectomy indications in patients receiving and rejecting treatment.

Patients and Methods: Between January 2001 and January 2004, a total of 205 patients including 168 patients who accepted adenotonsillectomy (surgery group) 37 patients who refused adenotonsillectomy (control group) were included in the study. Height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS) were measured based on age were measured using diagrams tailored for Turkish children at each visit.

Results: Height and weight were significantly increased in the surgery group (p<0.05). Weight SDS scores were significantly reduced (p=0.021), while there was no significant difference in height SDS scores in the control group (p=0.478).

Conclusion: Long-term obstructive sleep apnea is often associated with faltering body growth during the childhood. Children undergoing adenotonsillectomy return to normal growth and development, while non-treated group continues to deteriorate further.