Background: Sleep-disordered breathing is a common problem in children and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. The circulating level of C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory protein, is associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was the comparison of C-reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in children with tonsillar hypertrophy before and after adenotonsillectomy. Methods: All patients aged between 4 to 10 years who had underwent adenotonsillectomy due to obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled. Serum C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured before and after adenotonsillectomy. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 19. Results: In this study, 384 patients were enrolled. The average age of the patients was 6.7 years. The C-reactive protein level in 91 patients (23.7 %) was decreased and in 286 patients (74.5%) did not change and in 7 patients (1.8%) it was increased. Decreasing serum C-reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was statistically significant after adenotonsillectomy (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea induces a systemic inflammatory response so frequently associated with an increase in serum C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate that is reversible with surgery and if left untreated may lead to cardiovascular morbidity.
Using the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score Based on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or C-Reactive Protein Level: Results From the Portuguese Register
