Study Finds Early Tonsillectomy Improves Health Outcomes for Children with Mild Sleep Apnea

Washington, 20 Mar (ONA) —- A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association for Pediatrics, has revealed that early surgical intervention to remove tonsils can be effective in improving the health of children suffering from mild sleep apnea, reducing the need for doctor visits and prescriptions.

The study included 381 children aged 3 to 13 years with mild sleep-related breathing disorders. They were divided into two groups: one underwent early tonsillectomy, while the other received conventional medical care without surgery. After a 12-month follow-up, results showed that the surgical group experienced a 32% reduction in doctor visits and a 48% decrease in prescriptions compared to the non-surgical group.

Susan Redline, the study's lead author and director of epidemiology programs in sleep medicine and cardiology at Brigham Hospital, explained that the findings highlight how early surgical intervention can significantly reduce healthcare utilization.

She emphasized the importance of early treatment for children with mild sleep-related breathing disorders. Additionally, the study revealed significant improvements in sleep quality and overall health among children who underwent surgery, leading to a reduced need for recurring medical care. While previous studies have noted the benefits of tonsillectomy, this study is the first to assess the impact of surgical intervention on healthcare utilization in a randomized, controlled manner.

—- Ends/Khalid