Hypoventilation during sleep in children who have lymphoid airway obstruction treated by nasopharyngeal tube and T and A.

Three children with sleep apnea, alveolar hypoventilation, apparent mental retardation, and poor growth associated with chronically enlarged tonsils and adenoids were treated with the use of a nasopharyngeal tube followed by tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The effectiveness of this therapy was documented by polygraphic recording of sleep stages and respirations, and by correlation with serial arterial blood gases and pH. The nasopharyngeal tube was well tolerated, easy to use, and effective in diagnosis and treatment. We suggest that its use be further evaluated in patients with obstructive apnea.