Adenotonsillectomy Has No Impact on Cognitive Outcomes

Investigators from multiple Australian institutions conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of adenotonsillectomy on cognitive function in preschoolers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Children were eligible if they (a) were 3–5 years old, (b) were referred for symptoms of OSA to 1 of 3 participating Australian children’s hospitals, (c) had normal audiometry, and (d) had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of <10 on baseline polysomnography. Participating children were randomized to either adenotonsillectomy within 2 months or no adenotonsillectomy.

All participants completed neuropsychological and behavioral assessments at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Neuropsychological assessment included the Woodcock Johnson III Test of Cognitive Abilities Brief Intellectual Ability (BIA) score, a score that combines verbal ability, thinking ability, and efficiency in performing cognitive …