Facial Feature as Predictor for Early-Persistence OSAS After Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Moderate to Severe OSAS

Objective: To investigate the early outcomes following adenotonsillectomy (T&A); to explore the role of facial feature and demographic data in predicting early-persistence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) after T&A in children with moderate to severe OSAS. Method: Children were included from Beijing Children's Hospital. Craniofacial photograph analysis was applied to analyze facial features. Enrolled children obtained overnight pulse oximetry monitoring one day after T&A. Result: There were more children with obesity and age < 3.5 years in persistent OSAS group than those in nonpersistent group. Persistent OSAS children have a narrower and longer lower face, as well as thicker and upturned upper lip. The duration of operation, history of snoring, and mouth breathing were correlated with postoperative ODI4. Conclusion: The rate of early-persistence of OSAS is high after T&A in children with moderate to severe OSAS. Routine postoperative monitoring should be applied for those children with above predictors.