title: Long-term changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study long-term changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque, NM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children with polysomnography-proven OSAS underwent adenotonsillectomy. The Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) was completed before surgery, within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery. Scores were compared using a paired t test. A P value < or =0.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study population included 23 children. Preoperative mean BASC T scores were >50. Children showed significant improvement after adenotonsillectomy in aggression, atypicality, depression, hyperactivity, and somatization within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery (P < or = 0.05). The differences within 6 months and 9 to 18 months after surgery were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caregivers report abnormalities in the behavior of children with OSAS. Behavioral abnormalities improve significantly after adenotonsillectomy and are maintained in the long-term.
  
  
  METHODS
  C-4.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA. rbmitchell@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Ron B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000503:physiopathology; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D014068:Tonsillectomy