Craniofacial risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea-systematic review and meta-analysis

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Published on: December 6, 2016

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Hannah Finke1, Anne Drews1, Corinna Engel2

  • 1Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany.

Journal of Sleep Research
|July 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to upper airway constriction. Lateral cephalograms reveal craniofacial measurements that may aid in early OSA diagnosis, especially in children.

Area of Science:

  • Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to hypoxia and cardiovascular issues.
  • Current diagnostic methods can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed identification, particularly in children.
  • Craniofacial morphology is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to OSA risk.

Approach:

  • A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed.
  • Searched databases for studies combining orthodontic, craniofacial, and sleep apnea-related terms.
  • Included 19 studies (15 adult, 4 pediatric) analyzing 16 specific cephalometric measurements.

Key Points:

  • Nine craniofacial measurements showed potential differences in OSA patients versus controls.
  • Significant measurements included specific angles (NSBa, ANB, ML-NSL, Me-Go-Ar) and distances (SN, N-ANS, MP-H).
  • Uvula dimensions (length and thickness) were also notably different in OSA patients.

Conclusions:

  • Altered craniofacial anatomy is associated with OSA.
  • Routine screening of lateral cephalograms for specific measurements could improve early OSA diagnosis.
  • Craniofacial orthopedics may play a role in the interdisciplinary management of pediatric OSA.

Keywords:
cephalometrysleep apnea syndromesleep disordered breathing

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