Effects of Adenotonsillectomy on Weight Gain in Children with Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the most prevalent cause of chronic upper airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing. It is also associated with growth delay in children. Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgical treatment of sleep disordered breathing in children. This study evaluated the effects of adenotonsillectomy on weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) changes in children with ATH. In this randomized clinical trial study, 96 children (48 healthy and 48 ATH patients) aged 3-10 years old were enrolled. Weight, height, and BMI were measured before, and 6 and 9 months after surgery. Both groups were similar in age and sex dispensation. Height and weight significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.001). Increase in BMI was only significant in ATH patients. Mean values of weight and BMI were higher among ATH patients than the healthy group 6 and 9 months after the operation (P < 0.001). Mean height was similar in both groups but was a little more in the control group (P = 0.8). Adenotonsillectomy increases weight and BMI in children with ATH.