Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Serum Levels of Total Antioxidant-A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Antioxidants are essential elements in reducing the harmful effects of free radicals. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of total antioxidant before and after adenotonsillectomy procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 41 children with the age range 3-12 who underwent adenotonsillectomy. The total level of antioxidants was measured before and two months after adenotonsillectomy. RESULTS: The mean±SD level of serum antioxidants raised significantly from 11.17 (15.36) before surgery to 22.19 (10.87) IU/mL after surgery (P<0.001). The mean value was increased from 15.50 (17.97) to 24.89 (12.66) and 6.62 (10.67) to 19.36 (7.98) IU/ml among males and females, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy can efficiently increase the serum levels of total antioxidant among children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Moreover, it can improve the immune system against free radicals.