Adenotonsillectomy for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea in Children

Question: Among children who snore without frequent obstructive events, does early adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting with supportive care improve neurodevelopment, behavior, or other symptoms at 12-month follow-up?

Findings: In this randomized clinical trial of 458 children with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting resulted in no significant differences in executive function or attention at 12 months. The adenotonsillectomy group had improved quality of life, symptoms, behavior, and blood pressure, which were among the secondary outcomes measured.

Meaning: In children with mild SDB, adenotonsillectomy resulted in no statistically significant differences in changes in executive function or attention but led to improved secondary outcomes including symptoms, behavior, and blood pressure.