Age-related outcomes of sleep apnea surgery in infants and children.

This study was designed to determine whether age at the time of surgery is an important influencing factor on outcomes following surgical correction of severe refractory obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants and children. Data were collected prospectively on 55 children, all with severe OSA refractory to conservative medical and surgical measures, who underwent combinations of soft-tissue and skeletal procedures aimed at relieving their airway obstruction. The study population was subdivided for analysis into three groups based on age at the time of surgery (> 36 months, > 12 to < 36 months, and < or = 12 months). Each child was assessed for clinical outcomes, polysomnography results, and complications. Children in the > 36 months group demonstrated a significant improvement in respiratory disturbance index (RDI), apnea index, and lowest overnight oxygen saturation postoperatively. Only RDI improved significantly in the > 12 to < 36 months group. Although there was a trend toward improvement in the respiratory indices for the children < or = 12 months of age, they had a significantly longer intensive care and hospital stay, a greater mean number of extubation attempts, and the highest surgical failure rate (29%). Other complications such as infection, atelectasis, or temporary postoperative nasopharyngeal tube dependence occurred most frequently in the > 36 months group. Surgical management of severe refractory OSA in children age < or = 12 months is more difficult and less likely to succeed. The reasons for this are discussed and recommendations for management are given.