IADR Abstract Archives
Upper Airway and Palatal Dimensions in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the upper airway dimensions and palatal dimensions of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Methods: Children with OSA was confirmed by nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). Children who had OSA with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 1 and having lateral cephalograms were included in this study. An age- and gender-matched control group was selected from children seeking orthodontic treatment. Pre-orthodontic lateral cephalograms were used for the controls.
Sixteen distances of airway structure were measured using Dolphin Imaging software. Palatal dimensions including palatal lengths, widths, and depths were analyzed using Ortho AnlyzerTM software.
Results: A total of 92 participants (31 children with OSA: 10.4 ± 3.1 years, and 61 controls: 10.4 ± 3.0 years) were included in the study. In the OSA group, the middle and inferior airway dimensions were significantly smaller (p < 0.05). The hyoid bone was positioned more anteriorly (p < 0.05). The tongue length and thickness, soft palate length and thickness were not significantly different between OSA and control groups (p > 0.05).
The palatal widths in the OSA group were significantly smaller at the first and second premolar levels (p < 0.05). The palate was deeper at the first and second premolar levels (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the palatal length (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Children with OSA have a smaller middle and inferior airway space, more anteriorly position hyoid bone, narrower and deeper palate at the first and second premolar levels. The palatal lengths, the tongue, and soft palate dimensions seemed not to be different between the OSA and control group.
Methods: Children with OSA was confirmed by nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). Children who had OSA with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 1 and having lateral cephalograms were included in this study. An age- and gender-matched control group was selected from children seeking orthodontic treatment. Pre-orthodontic lateral cephalograms were used for the controls.
Sixteen distances of airway structure were measured using Dolphin Imaging software. Palatal dimensions including palatal lengths, widths, and depths were analyzed using Ortho AnlyzerTM software.
Results: A total of 92 participants (31 children with OSA: 10.4 ± 3.1 years, and 61 controls: 10.4 ± 3.0 years) were included in the study. In the OSA group, the middle and inferior airway dimensions were significantly smaller (p < 0.05). The hyoid bone was positioned more anteriorly (p < 0.05). The tongue length and thickness, soft palate length and thickness were not significantly different between OSA and control groups (p > 0.05).
The palatal widths in the OSA group were significantly smaller at the first and second premolar levels (p < 0.05). The palate was deeper at the first and second premolar levels (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the palatal length (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Children with OSA have a smaller middle and inferior airway space, more anteriorly position hyoid bone, narrower and deeper palate at the first and second premolar levels. The palatal lengths, the tongue, and soft palate dimensions seemed not to be different between the OSA and control group.