Pulmonary function tests in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy

OBJECTIVE: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy, a common malady in children may lead on to cardiopulmonary dysfunction in untreated cases. The present study was designed to see alteration in pulmonary function tests i.e. spirometric parameters and blood oxygen saturation consequent to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and subsequent changes after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Spirometry and pulse oximetry were carried out in 40 children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy of both sexes between the age of 7 and 14 years and 40 age and sex matched healthy children. The test was repeated one and half months after surgery in study group and data was statistically analyzed using students' t-test. RESULTS: The flow volume plot was abnormal in all the patients along with hypoxia, reduced FIF50% and, increased FEF50%/FIF50%, FEV1/PEFR, FEV1/FEV0.5 ratios. There was statistically significant improvement in above parameters following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry can prove an useful diagnostic tool in adenotonsillar hypertrophy for deciding early intervention to prevent cardio pulmonary complications.