Quality of life after tonsillectomy in children with recurrent tonsillitis

Abstract

Objective: To describe changes in disease-specific and global quality of life (QOL) for children with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis at 6 months and 1 year after tonsillectomy using two validated instruments, the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument (TAHSI) and the Child Health Questionaire-PF28 (CHQ-PF28). Study Design and Setting: A multicenter, prospective observational outcomes study. Results: Ninety-two children, mean age (SD) 10.6 (3.4) years, enrolled with follow-up available for 58 children at 6 months and 38 children at 1 year. The children showed significant improvements in all subscales of the TAHSI including airway and breathing, infection, health care utilization, cost of care, eating and swallowing (all P < 0.001), and behavior (P = 0.01). Significant improvements were also found on several subscales of the CHQ-PF28, such as general health perceptions, physical functioning, parental impact, and family activities (all P < 0.001). Conclusion/Significance: This uncontrolled study provides prospective evidence of improved disease-specific and global QOL in children after tonsillectomy. © 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.