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Facial features and hyoid bone position in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Bruno B Vieira1, Carla E Itikawa, Leila A de Almeida

  • 1Department of Orthodontics, Ribeirão Prêto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Prêto, Brazil.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|October 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, increasing airway space. This early hyoid positioning may contribute to the persistence of childhood OSAS into adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Craniofacial Imaging
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common condition in children.
  • Facial morphology and hyoid bone position are potential contributing factors to OSAS.
  • Early identification of OSAS-related anatomical features is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare facial features and hyoid bone position in preschool children with and without OSAS.
  • To investigate the relationship between hyoid bone position and the presence of OSAS in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cross-sectional study involving 29 children aged 3-6 years (14 with OSAS, 15 controls).
  • Otorhinolaryngologic examination and polysomnography for OSAS diagnosis.
  • Orthodontic evaluation and cephalometric radiography to analyze facial and hyoid bone measurements.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were found in linear and angular facial measurements between children with and without OSAS.
  • Children with OSAS exhibited a significantly inferiorly positioned hyoid bone compared to nasal-breathing controls.
  • An inferior hyoid bone position was associated with an increased pharyngeal area in children with OSAS.

Conclusions:

  • Preschool children with OSAS demonstrate an inferior hyoid bone position, suggesting an early anatomical predisposition.
  • The findings indicate a link between hyoid bone position and OSAS in children, potentially influencing disease persistence.
  • Early cephalometric evaluation of hyoid bone position may aid in understanding and managing pediatric OSAS.

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