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[Nasopharyngeal changes in 8-13 years old healthy children in China: a longitudinal study]
S S Liu1, J R Deng2, D S Wang3
1Department of Orthodontics, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China (Department of Orthodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University).
Insights
This study reveals that nasopharyngeal growth is rapid between ages 8-10, with continuous development influenced by craniofacial structures like the maxilla and mandible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric airway development
- Craniofacial growth
- Sleep-disordered breathing research
Background:
- The nasopharynx, a key upper airway component, is linked to craniofacial patterns influencing sleep breathing.
- Understanding nasopharyngeal growth during puberty is crucial for respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nasopharyngeal growth pattern during the rapid puberty growth period.
- To explore correlations between nasopharyngeal dimensions and craniofacial structures.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 30 non-snoring children (8-11 years) with yearly MRI, lateral cephalograms, and polysomnography (PSG).
- Mixed longitudinal sample of 51 children analyzed for yearly changes in nasopharyngeal and craniofacial structures.
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA for growth evaluation and correlation analysis for influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Rapid nasopharyngeal growth observed between 8-10 years, with transverse dimension developing quickly.
- Sagittal dimension showed rapid development around 12-13 years; overall growth was continuous.
- Nasopharyngeal cross-sectional area, volume, sagittal, and transverse dimensions showed significant correlations with various craniofacial measurements (e.g., mandible, hyoid, maxilla, adenoid size).
Conclusions:
- Nasopharyngeal growth is an early and continuous process.
- Maxillary and mandibular development significantly influence nasopharyngeal growth patterns.
Abstract:
Objective: Nasopharynx is an important compartment of the upper airway. It is closely associated with the characteristic craniofacial skeletal pattern related to sleep breathing. The present study aimed to investigate the growth pattern of the nasopharynx during rapid puberty growth period. Methods: Thirty non-snoring children (aged 8 to 11 years old) were selected by means of questionnaires and clinical examination. Periodic yearly follow up using MRI, lateral cephalogram, and polysomnograph (PSG) was done in these children. Fifty-one final mixed longitudinal samples were consisted of 23 children completed three consecutive follow-up, and 5 children completed two consecutive follow-up. The yearly changes of the nasopharynx and craniofacial structures were measured. ANOVA was used to evaluate the yearly growth of the nasopharynx. Correlated analysis was used to explore the potential influencing factors of craniofacial structures. Results: The rapid growth period of the nasopharynx located in the age range of 8-10 years old, during which the transverse dimension of the nasopharynx developed rapidly, while the rapid development of the sagittal dimension of the nasopharynx was around 12-13 years old. The growth of the nasopharynx was continuous. The changes in the cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx (⊿CSA) was positively correlated with the changes in distance between mandible of glossopharyngeus (⊿M), distance of hyoid to cervical anterior surface (⊿H-CVP), and anterior pharyngeal distance of glossopharyngeus (⊿AD) (r=0.363, 0.363, 0.323, respectively, all P<0.05). The changes in the volume of the nasopharynx (⊿V) was positively correlated with the changes in upper facial height (⊿N-ANS), ⊿M, and ⊿AD (r=0.336, 0.413, 0.478, respectively, all P<0.05). The changes in the sagittal dimension of the nasopharynx (⊿S) was negatively correlated with angulation in supramental and anatomical horizontal line (⊿SNB) (r=-0.322, P=0.045). The changes in the transverse dimension of the nasopharynx (⊿T) was negatively correlated with the changes in adenoid (⊿A) (r=-0.411, P=0.009). Conclusions: The growth and development of the nasopharynx was early and continuous, which could be affected by the development of either maxilla or mandible.
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