Is there a Relationship Between Depression and Adenoid Volume in the Pediatric Population?

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid tissue hypertrophy is a common problem in childhood. In addition, it can also cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The relationship between adenoid size and quality of life or psychological status has not been evaluated as an independent variable. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between adenoid size, obstructive symptoms, and depression.
METHODS: In total, 180 children were included and divided into two groups: 92 children with OSAS and 88 without OSAS. The adenoid size was assessed by calculating the adenoid nasopharynx ratio, which is the maximum adenoid size to a line drawn from the posterosuperior hard palate to the spheno-occipital synchondrosis. The Turkish version of the pediatric depression scale was used to evaluate depression symptoms. The results of two evaluations were statistically compared to assess any correlation.
RESULTS: The mean age of the OSAS was 7.61 and the control group was 7.95 years. There were no statistical differences in sex and age between the groups. The adenoid nasopharynx ratio significantly differed p<0.001 (p=0.001) between the two groups, whereas the pediatric depression scale scores did not differ (p=0.472). There was no correlation between the adenoid nasopharynx ratio and depression.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The adenoid nasopharynx ratio is not a significant predictor of depression in children with OSAS.