Quality of life after tonsillectomy in children with recurrent tonsillitis

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008 Jan;138(1 Suppl):S9-S16. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2006.12.029.

Abstract

Objective: To describe changes in disease-specific and global quality of life (QOL) for children with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis at 6 months and 1 year after tonsillectomy using two validated instruments, the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument (TAHSI) and the Child Health Questionaire-PF28 (CHQ-PF28).

Study design and setting: A multicenter, prospective observational outcomes study.

Results: Ninety-two children, mean age (SD) 10.6 (3.4) years, enrolled with follow-up available for 58 children at 6 months and 38 children at 1 year. The children showed significant improvements in all subscales of the TAHSI including airway and breathing, infection, health care utilization, cost of care, eating and swallowing (all P < 0.001), and behavior (P = 0.01). Significant improvements were also found on several subscales of the CHQ-PF28, such as general health perceptions, physical functioning, parental impact, and family activities (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion/significance: This uncontrolled study provides prospective evidence of improved disease-specific and global QOL in children after tonsillectomy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recurrence
  • Tonsillectomy*
  • Tonsillitis / psychology
  • Tonsillitis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome