Predicting obstructive sleep apnoea and perioperative respiratory adverse events in children: role of upper airway collapsibility measurements

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and perioperative respiratory adverse events are significant risks for anaesthesia in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Upper airway collapse is a crucial feature of OSA that contributes to respiratory adverse events. A measure of upper airway collapsibility to identify undiagnosed OSA can help guide perioperative management. We investigated the utility of pharyngeal closing pressure for predicting OSA and respiratory adverse events.

Citation:
Ohn M, Sommerfield D, Nguyen J, Evans D, Khan RN, Hauser N, Herbert H, Bumbak P, Wilson AC, Eastwood PR, Maddison KJ, Walsh JH, von Ungern-Sternberg BS. Predicting obstructive sleep apnoea and perioperative respiratory adverse events in children: role of upper airway collapsibility measurements. Br J Anaesth. 2023

Keywords:
adenotonsillectomy; anaesthesia; obstructive sleep apnoea; paediatrics; respiratory adverse events; upper airway; upper airway collapsibility

Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and perioperative respiratory adverse events are significant risks for anaesthesia in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Upper airway collapse is a crucial feature of OSA that contributes to respiratory adverse events. A measure of upper airway collapsibility to identify undiagnosed OSA can help guide perioperative management. We investigated the utility of pharyngeal closing pressure for predicting OSA and respiratory adverse events.