title: Investigation of cardiac function in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: Adrian L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Runciman
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Freeland
mesh_terms: 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*