Clinical value of total level of serum antioxidant pre- and post-adenotonsillectomy in children suffering from chronic tonsilitis and adenoid hypertrophy

Abstract Objective To study the effect of adenotonsillectomy on oxidative stress and antioxidants in the children suffering from chronic tonsilitis and adenoid hypertrophy. Background Chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hypertrophy are common conditions in children that can significantly impact their growth, immune function, and overall well-being. Adenotonsillectomy, the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, is often performed to alleviate recurrent infections and/or airway obstruction. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Department and Clinical Pathology Department at 6 months from November 2022 to April 2023. Thirty-two patients (64 samples) who underwent adenotonsillectomy and were admitted to the previous study setting were selected to be participants in the current study. Results The study found that adenotonsillectomy resulted in nonsignificant changes in serum TAO, with 43.75% of children showing increased levels and 56.25% showing decreased levels after surgery. No significant correlations were found between TAO changes and demographic factors, infection rates, or growth parameters, suggesting that oxidative stress markers like TAO may not be directly influenced by adenotonsillectomy. However, there were improvements in both weight and height, with a mean weight increase of 15.67% and a height increase of 1.71%. The surgery also led to a marked reduction in the number of infections, with a decrease from 4.78 infections per year to 1.53 postoperatively. Conclusion The study showed that the serum total antioxiant level has no significant change pre- and post-adenotonsillectomy; however, the state of the immunity preoperative gives us a good predictor expectation for the state of the child immunity post-adenotonsillectomy. While the surgery is effective for reducing infections and promoting growth, further research is needed to understand the role of obstructive sleep apnea in the formation of oxidative stress and the influence of vaccination on serum total antioxidant level and to identify potential interventions for children with persistent oxidative stress.