Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Craniofacial morphology in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

A Marino1, I Malagnino, R Ranieri

  • 1Sapienza University of Rome, 2nd Medical Faculty, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Dentistry and Orthodontics Unit, Rome, Italy. alessandramarinoit@yahoo.it

European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|January 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Preschool children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) often exhibit a skeletal Class II pattern. This pattern is characterized by a retrognathic mandible and increased skeletal divergency, impacting craniofacial development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Craniofacial Orthodontics
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition in children, marked by airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and disrupted sleep.
  • OSAS significantly impacts normal ventilation and sleep patterns in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the craniofacial characteristics of preschool children diagnosed with OSAS.
  • Utilize standardized lateral cephalograms and floating norms cephalometric analysis for evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • Inclusion of 21 untreated Caucasian preschool children (mean age 4.57 years) with complete deciduous dentition.
  • All subjects had a polysomnographic diagnosis of OSAS with a positive Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI).
  • Evaluation of pretreatment cephalometric radiographs using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation).

Main Results:

  • Preschool children with OSAS demonstrated a skeletal Class II pattern.
  • A retrognathic mandible was a common finding in the OSAS group.
  • Increased skeletal divergency was observed in children with OSAS.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified specific craniofacial features associated with OSAS in preschool children.
  • Findings suggest a link between OSAS and a Class II skeletal pattern, retrognathic mandible, and increased divergency.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Sutures of the Skull01:22

Sutures of the Skull

The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Overview of the Skull01:08

Overview of the Skull

The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View01:27

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...