Objective To investigate the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to determine their clinical significance. Methods One hundred children with OSAS in our department from August 2005 to February 2006, and 40 healthy children were enrolled in the study. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured. Results Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in patients with OSAS than those in the control group (Plt;0.05). Both IL-6 and TNF-α were not correlated with AHI. Conclusion It is concluded that OSAS is a chronic inflammatory process. A close correlation was observed between high levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and OSAS. High levels of IL-6 and TNF-α account for the risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases in children with OSAS.
