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Cephalometric comparisons of craniofacial and upper airway structures in young children with obstructive sleep apnea

S Kawashima1, N Niikuni, L Chia-hung

  • 1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. kawashima-s@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea often show jaw and tooth alignment issues, alongside a narrower airway. Cephalometric analysis is recommended for evaluating sleep apnea in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Orthodontics

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition in children.
  • Dentofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway dimensions are implicated in OSA pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dentofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway space in preschool children with OSA.
  • To identify cephalometric predictors of OSA in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Cephalometric analysis was performed on 15 preschool children diagnosed with OSA.
  • A control group of 30 nonapneic children was used for comparison.
  • Measurements included mandibular position, incisor inclination, cranial base dimensions, and epipharyngeal airway space.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSA frequently exhibited mandibular retrognathia and retroclined lower incisors.
  • No significant differences in cranial base measurements were observed between OSA patients and controls.
  • Apneic children presented with a significantly narrower epipharyngeal airway space compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea in preschool children is associated with specific dentofacial abnormalities and reduced pharyngeal airway dimensions.
  • Adenoidal hypertrophy and abnormal facial skeleton development likely contribute to OSA.
  • Cephalometric analysis is a valuable tool for presurgical evaluation of pediatric OSA.

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