Effect of intranasal steroids on adenoid hypertrophy in children: a meta-analysis study

ABSTRACT

Objectives: adenoid hypertrophy [AH] remains the commonest cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children. Enlarged adenoids may also obstruct the Eustachian tube orifice, which can result in temporary conductive hearing loss. The presence of fluid in the middle ear [otitis media with effusion] is frequently associated with adenoidal hypertrophy and suggests Eustachian tube dysfunction. Surgical treatment is indicated in severe forms. However there are some limitations for surgery as the main route of therapy, e.g. in cleft palate adenoidectomy may lead to velopharyngeal incomptence or in bleeding tendency there is risk of hemorrhage after surgery. In such instances surgical procedure could be replaced by non surgical methods. Intranasal steroids treatment have been proposed to reduce adenoid size and, consequently, to improve the clinical picture of pediatric patients affected by adenoid hypertrophy