Changes in body composition and growth pattern after adenotonsillectomy in prepubertal children.

OBJECTIVE

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis are associated with growth interruption during childhood, while adenotonsillectomy has been associated with growth improvement and increased body mass index (BMI). However, no reported study has investigated the effect of adenotonsillectomy on the proportion of body muscle and fat mass. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy on body muscle and fat composition in prepubertal children.

METHODS

Thirty prepubertal children (22 boys, 8 girls; 3-9 years of age) were followed up for 6 months after adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Twenty-eight age-matched healthy children (12 boys, 16 girls) were followed for the same period, as controls. Data on dietary habits and physical activity were obtained from parent-completed questionnaires at baseline and 6 months. Height and weight z-scores, the amount and percentage of body fat and muscle mass, BMI z-scores, relative BMI and basal metabolic rate were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery with bioelectrical impedance analysis.

RESULTS

After 6 months, body muscle mass and basal metabolic rate scores were significantly higher than at baseline in both groups (P<0.05). The rate of increase was not different between the groups. In the study group, the relative BMI scores improved significantly (P<0.05). Increases in body fat mass, body fat percentage, height z-scores, weight z-scores and BMI z-scores were not significantly different between the groups at 6 months (P>0.05). The number of overweight and obese children did not change significantly in either group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenotonsillectomy led to improvement in relative BMI and promoted healthy weight gain without increased body fat percentage in prepubertal children.