[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children; an indication for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy].

A 3-year-old girl with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome associated with tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy is discussed. Nocturnal sleep registration, 4 months after adeno-tonsillectomy revealed complete arrest of apnea episodes and there was improvement in sleep pattern. In the early detection of obstructive sleep apnea in children a careful history and nocturnal sleep registration are essential. In children, tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy are the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea.