RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Long-term effects of adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea: protocol for a systematic review JF BMJ Open JO BMJ Open FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP e010030 DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010030 VO 6 IS 9 A1 Felipe Damiani A1 Gabriel Rada A1 Juan Cristóbal Gana A1 Pablo E Brockmann A1 Gigliola Alberti YR 2016 UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/9/e010030.abstract AB Introduction Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most important anatomical factor associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adenotonsillectomy as the first line of treatment. AT can reduce the apnoea hypopnoea index; however, its effect on long-term outcomes remains unclear.Methods and analysis We will conduct an electronic search for randomised controlled trials in MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE. We will also identify literature by reviewing the references included in the selected studies and relevant reviews, screening through important scientific conferences, and searching for ongoing trials in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Two researchers will independently undertake selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias of included studies. We will estimate pooled risk ratios for dichotomous data, and mean difference or standardised mean difference for continuous outcomes. A random-effects model will be used for meta-analyses. Data synthesis and other analyses will be conducted using RevMan V.5.3 software.Ethics and dissemination No ethics approval is considered necessary. The results of this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and social networks.Trial registration number CRD42015022102.