INTRODUCTION
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a
respiratory disorder characterized by repeated episodes
of flow limitation or complete cessation of flow due to
partial narrowing or complete occlusion of the pharyngeal
airway during sleep.1 These respiratory events are
followed by alterations in gas exchange arousals leading
to disruption of normal sleep pattern.
OSAS affects 2% to 4% of children in the general
population.2 However, obese children have a much higher
prevalence of the disorder that may approach 50%.3–5
Thus, obesity is an important risk factor for the development
of OSAS in children. Several studies suggest that
particular anatomical factors around the pharyngeal airway
in obese children, including lymphoid and parapharyngeal