A Pediatric Grading Scale for Lingual Tonsil Hypertrophy. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedman, Norman R.; Prager, Jeremy D.; Ruiz, Amanda G.; Kezirian, Eric J.
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 154:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: lingual tonsil hypertrophy -- pediatric -- children -- obstructive sleep apnea -- outcomes research -- severity or grading; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599815601403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH) is a common finding for children with residual obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following an adenotonsillectomy. Secondary to the significant morbidity associated with OSA, identification and treatment of residual OSA are paramount. A dedicated LTH grading scale for children does not exist. The current adult LTH scale is impractical for children. Imaging is not routine for children, since it frequently requires sedation. We present a pediatric LTH grading scale with substantial interrater reliability to facilitate standardization of endoscopy findings and promote outcomes-based research for OSA surgery in children.