Investigation of cardiac function in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of cardiac failure in a group of children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to assess the need for preoperative electrocardiograms (ECGs) and chest radiographs (CXRs) in children with OSA.


METHODS
Case record review of 271 children having (adeno)tonsillectomy for symptoms of OSA.


METHODS
Preoperative ECGs and CXRs were assessed for signs of right atrial or ventricular hypertrophy or failure. Case records were assessed for evidence of cardiac failure during anaesthesia.


RESULTS
One child with congenital heart disease had signs of cardiac failure preoperatively. No other cases of atrial or ventricular hypertrophy or failure were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac failure appears to be uncommon in children with symptoms of OSA. Preoperative ECG and CXR are essential in only selected cases.
James
Adrian L
AL
Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
Runciman
Martin
M
Burton
Martin J
MJ
Freeland
Andrew P
AP
D000293:Adolescent; D016280:Atrial Function, Right / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right / Q000502:physiology*