title: Quality of life in children with sleep-disordered breathing: evaluation by OSA-18.
abstract: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent. There is evidence of their effect on quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the quality of life in children with SDB before and after adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective before and after interventional study, with a component for assessment. A consecutive sample of children referred to adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy was recruited from the otolaryngology clinic; guardians answered a specific survey for the evaluation of quality of life in children with SDB, the OSA-18, before and at least 30 days after surgery. Nasofibroscopic and otolaryngological exams and a semi-structured survey on the childs social and clinical profile were done on both appointments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  48 children with a mean age of 5.93 years (SD=2.43) were evaluated. The mean number of schooling years for guardians was 8.29 years (SD=3.14). The most frequent symptoms were: agitated sleep, apnea and snoring. The total mean score of the initial OSA-18 was 82.83 (major impact); following surgery, the total mean score was 34.15. The differences in the total scores and in the domains between the initial OSA-18 and post-surgery scores were all significant (p<0.00).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SDB has a relevant impact on quality of life, and patients show dramatic improvements after surgical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinopediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, SP.
authors.forename: Viviane Carvalho da
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Alvaro Jorge Madeiro
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Leite
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome