Investigation of cardiac function in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cardiac failure in a group of children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to assess the need for preoperative electrocardiograms (ECGs) and chest radiographs (CXRs) in children with OSA. DESIGN: Case record review of 271 children having (adeno)to...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: James, A, Runciman, M, Burton, M, Freeland, A
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: 2003
Description
Summary:OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cardiac failure in a group of children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to assess the need for preoperative electrocardiograms (ECGs) and chest radiographs (CXRs) in children with OSA. DESIGN: Case record review of 271 children having (adeno)tonsillectomy for symptoms of OSA. METHOD: Preoperative ECGs and CXRs were assessed for signs of right atrial or ventricular hypertrophy or failure. Case records were assessed for evidence of cardiac failure during anaesthesia. RESULTS: One child with congenital heart disease had signs of cardiac failure preoperatively. No other cases of atrial or ventricular hypertrophy or failure were found. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac failure appears to be uncommon in children with symptoms of OSA. Preoperative ECG and CXR are essential in only selected cases.