Weight Gain After Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Can Lead to Obesity

Many children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) experience growth failure, and treatment with early adenotonsillectomy can lead to increases in weight and height. This is a welcome result in children who are failing to thrive, but weight gain can lead to overweight or obesity in some children. In a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, investigators compared growth after early adenotonsillectomy (within 4 weeks) versus watchful waiting and supportive care in 464 children (age range, 5–9 years) with OSAS. None of the children had prolonged oxygen desaturation times.

After 7 months, weight and body-mass index (BMI) increased in both groups, but increases were statistically greater after early adenotonsillectomy. Height also inc…