Kirkham et al included preoperative polysomnography in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. They identified predictors of severe postoperative respiratory events. The authors are from the University of Michigan.
Patient selection: age 0.5 to 17 years undergoing tonsillectomy.
Evaluation: preoperative polysomnography
Prevalence of severe postoperative respiratory complications in study population: 1.7%
Predictors of severe respiratory complications:
(1) major medical comorbidity (OR 14.2)
(2) apnea-hypopnea index >= 30 (OR 7.7)
(3) lowest oxygen saturation < 70% (OR 6.1)
The risk increases with the number of risk factors present.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
