OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to understand the effect of different treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) for refractory asthma in children.

METHODSFifty two children (32 in surgical group, 20 in conservative group) with refractory asthma and OSAHS were included in the study. All children received asthma condition assessment and polysomnography (PSG) examination before and after treatment, and were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTSAll children got improved in PSG values 3 months after treatment, more significant improvement was achieved in surgical group than in conservative group (P < 0.05). While compared of OSAHS treatment, there were 2 cure, 6 notable effective, 9 effective, 3 in vain cases in conservative group, 8 cure, 16 notable effective, 8 effective, 0 in vain cases in surgery group. There was significant difference between the two groups (χ² = 8.91, P = 0.031). All children got improved in asthma condition evaluation parameters and decreased the use number of short acting β2 agonists after 6 months treatment. More significant improvement was achieved in surgical group than in conservative group. The differences of all the items had statistical significance (P < 0.05). There was statistical correlation between days mutation rate of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and apnea hypopnea index (r = 0.712, P < 0.01), and between days mutation rate of PEF and lowest oxygen saturation (r = 0.726, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSActive treatment of OSAHS can improve asthma symptoms and reduce asthma medication effectively. The curative effect of surgical treatment is superior to conservative treatment.