How Pediatric Anesthesiologists Manage Children with OSA Undergoing Tonsillectomy.

objectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe typical anesthesia practices for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY

designOnline survey.

methodA sample of pediatric anesthesiologists received the survey by email.

results110 respondents were included. 46.4% worked in a free-standing children's hospital and 32.7% worked in a children's facility within a general hospital. 73.6% taught residents. 44.4% saw at least one child with OSA per week, 25.5% saw them daily. On a 100-mm visual analog scale, respondents rated their comfort with managing these children as 84.94 (SD 17.59). For children with severe OSA, 53.6% gave oral midazolam preoperatively, but 24.5% typically withheld premedication and had the parent present for induction. 68.2% would typically use nitrous oxide for inhalational induction. 68.2% used fentanyl intraoperatively, while 20.0% used morphine. 61.5% reduced their intraop narcotic dose for children with OSA. 98.2% used intraoperative dexamethasone, 58.2% used 0.5 mg/kg for the dose. 98.2% used ondansetron, 62.7% used IV acetaminophen, and 8.2% used IV NSAIDs. 83.6% extubated awake. 27.3% of respondents stated that their institution had standardized guidelines for perioperative management of children with OSA undergoing adenotonsillectomy. People who worked in children's hospitals, who had >10 years of experience, or who saw children with OSA frequently were significantly more comfortable dealing with children with OSA (

conclusionApart from using intraoperative dexamethasone and ondansetron, management varied. These children would likely benefit from best practices perioperative management guidelines.