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Comparison of Airway Measurements in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Non-rheumatoid Patients using Lateral Cephalometric
F F Badr1, F M Jadu1, A M Nasir2
1Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have narrower upper airways compared to those without the condition. This finding may help identify RA patients at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Orthodontics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in RA patients.
- Upper airway morphology may influence OSA risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between upper airway dimensions and rheumatoid arthritis.
- To compare upper airway measurements in RA patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study utilizing lateral cephalometric radiographs.
- Measurement of upper airway area and length.
- Reliability assessment by a single examiner.
Main Results:
- RA patients were older with higher BMI.
- Upper airway area was smaller in RA patients.
- Upper airway length was significantly longer in RA patients.
Conclusions:
- RA patients exhibit narrower upper airways on cephalometric radiographs.
- Narrower airways may contribute to OSA prevalence in RA.
- Airway measurements could aid in identifying RA patients at risk for OSA.
