Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
While removal of the adenoids and tonsils resolves OSA in 79% to 92% of children, it is less efficacious in obese children, those with Down syndrome, and children with underlying craniofacial abnormalities.[97]Mitchell RB, Kelly J. Outcomes and quality of life following adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing in children. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2007;69(6):345-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18033971?tool=bestpractice.com
[98]Mitchell RB, Kelly J. Outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in obese and normal-weight children. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Jul;137(1):43-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17599563?tool=bestpractice.com
[141]Costa DJ, Mitchell R. Adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in obese children: a meta-analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;140:455-460.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19328330?tool=bestpractice.com
[142]Donaldson JD, Redmond WM. Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome. J Otolaryngol. 1988;17:398-403.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2976430?tool=bestpractice.com
In the general population, one study has shown a recurrence rate of 8.5% 3 years after surgery.[62]Contencin P, Guilleminault C, Manach Y. Long-term follow-up and mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and related syndromes through infancy and childhood. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2003 Dec;67 Suppl 1:S119-23.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14662182?tool=bestpractice.com
Chronic insomnia disorder
According to a meta-analysis reviewing 52 behavioral treatment studies, 94% of respondents reported improvement with behavioral interventions, with 80% of children treated demonstrating sustained improvement for 3 to 6 months.[116]Mindell JA, Kuhn BR, Lewin DS, et al. Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. Sleep. 2006;29:1263-1276. [Erratum in: Sleep. 2006;29:1380.]
http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/PracticeParameters/Review_NightWakingsChildren.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17068979?tool=bestpractice.com
Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder
There are very few objective data delineating success rates of the various treatment strategies. Enlisting the cooperation of the patient is critical; without it there is little if any chance of success.