The Effect of Montelukast on Mild Persistent OSA after Adenotonsillectomy in Children: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the treatment effect of montelukast in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (T&A). Fifty-eight children with persistent OSA after T&A were included and randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was administered montelukast for 12 weeks, and the other received no treatment. Clinical information, such as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and nadir oxyhemoglobin saturation (nadir SpO₂), was recorded. Symptoms of OSA were evaluated using the validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). After surgery, there was no difference in terms of AHI, nadir SpO₂, and PSQ scores between 2 groups. After the 12-week course of montelukast administration, the treatment group had significant improvement in the AHI, nadir SpO₂, and PSQ scores (P < .001), while the no-treatment group had no change over time (P > .05). In summary, montelukast as a complementary therapy can improve sleep disturbances in children with OSA after T&A.

Keywords

montelukast children OSA

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