Craniofacial modifications in Ivorian melanoderm children with chronic retronasal obstruction
Marie-Josée Tanon-Anoh1, Yao Mathurin Kouassi1, Moussa Yoda1
1Yopougon University Hospital, Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
Insights
Chronic retro nasal airway obstruction in children can alter craniofacial morphology, leading to changes in airway spaces. Early correction of nasal obstruction is recommended to prevent skeletal modifications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic retro nasal airway obstruction is common in children.
- Enlarged adenoids are a frequent cause of nasal obstruction.
- Nasal obstruction can impact craniofacial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of chronic retro nasal airway obstruction on craniofacial morphology in children.
- To assess the relationship between nasal obstruction and airway space dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 58 children aged 3-6 years.
- Comparison between habitual snorers with nasal obstruction and a control group.
- Cephalometric analysis of craniofacial features and airway spaces.
Main Results:
- Children with chronic nasal obstruction exhibited shortened cranial base and mandibular plane length.
- Widened cranio-cervical flexure and forward hyoid bone position were observed.
- Reduced nasopharyngeal airway space with widened oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal spaces were noted.
Conclusions:
- Craniofacial modifications associated with chronic retro nasal obstruction lead to pharyngeal airway readjustment.
- Early intervention for persistent retro nasal obstruction is crucial to prevent adverse skeletal changes.
Objective:
To determine the influence of the chronic retro nasal airway obstruction on craniofacial morphology.
Methods:
It was a case-control study which included fifty-eight melanoderm children aged from 3 to 6 years (31 males and 27 females), divided in 2 samples. A studied group of 29 habitual snorers presenting chronic retro nasal obstruction due to enlarged adenoid and a control group of 29 age matched children selected among patients consulting for routine evaluation. Patients who had used topical or systemic medication for the nose, as well as those who had undergone adenoidectomy were excluded from the study. Children were submitted to history taking then ENT and orthodontic examination. Linear and angular cephalometric measurements were used for craniofacial features evaluation.
Results:
Significant craniofacial anomalies were found in patients presenting chronic retro nasal obstruction: shortened cranial base and mandibular plane length, widened cranio-cervical flexure, forwardness of hyoid bone, reduced nasopharyngeal airway space, widened of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway space.
Conclusions:
Our study suggests that craniofacial modifications due to chronic retro nasal obstruction lead to pharyngeal airway readjustment. Persistent retro nasal obstruction should be corrected early in life in order to avoid skeletal modifications appearance.
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