O025 Sleep outcomes in paediatric patients pre- and post-pharyngoplasty

BACKGROUND: Pharyngoplasty surgery is undertaken to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The resultant narrowing of the pharyngeal airway can cause obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but limited data is available regarding the incidence or severity of this problem. This study will evaluate the effect of pharyngoplasty on the development of OSA in children. METHODS: We are undertaking a retrospective audit of medical records for children who underwent both polysomnography (PSG) and pharyngoplasty at a tertiary paediatric centre between January 2013 and December 2022. Data from children who underwent PSG and pharyngoplasty will be evaluated and separated according to the timing pre- or post-pharyngoplasty. Analyses will determine the effect of pharyngoplasty on the development and or progression of sleep disordered breathing. RESULTS: 176 paediatric patients underwent pharyngoplasty procedures from January 2013-December 2022, including 73 (41%) who also underwent PSG. Full PSG data are available for analysis including sleep staging, arousal, respiratory and gas exchange. Primary outcome will be the obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (OAHI), but additional impacts on total apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation, CO2, and arousals will also be evaluated. Not all children had studies before and after their surgery so statistical comparison will be made between parameters measured before and after pharyngoplasty, using both paired (where available) and unpaired (for the entire group) testing as appropriate. Intended outcome/impact: This study will evaluate the impact of pharyngoplasty on children’s breathing during sleep. The results will assist in determining the indications for, and appropriate timing for PSG in children undergoing pharyngoplasty procedures for VPI.