Evaluation of antistreptolysin O titer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein before and after tonsillectomy

Background and aim Tonsillectomy remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in otorhinolaryngology, especially among young infants. The primary reasons for this surgery include frequent episodes of tonsillopharyngitis and obstructive breathing issues caused by enlarged tonsils. We aimed to assess the anti-streptolysin O titer (ASOT), C reactive protein (CRP), as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in serum prior to and 3 months following tonsillectomy. Patients and methods The study, conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, involved 60 patients admitted between 11/2022 and 5/2024, with 31 undergoing tonsillectomy and 29 undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Results The study population age varied between 3 and 16 years with an average of 8.93 years; females and males are equally represented. There was a significant reduction in ASOT, ESR, and CRP after tonsillectomy ( P <0.001). Reduction in ESR and CRP was significant and comparable in both males and females. While the reduction in ASOT was significantly higher in males than females. Conclusion We evaluated the anti-streptolysin O titer, CRP, as well as the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation within serum before tonsillectomy and after three months of tonsillectomy. Accordingly, we revealed that there was a significant reduction in ASOT, ESR, and CRP after tonsillectomy. These markers, which are inflammatory markers, demonstrated a significant decrease in value following tonsillectomy because of the septic focus removal associated with chronic tonsillitis.