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Prevalence of Altered Craniofacial Morphology in Children With OSA

Nelly Huynh1,2, Jingjing Zhang3, Benjamin Pliska4

  • 1Faculty of Dental Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.

Journal of Sleep Research
|April 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant differences in craniofacial morphology or malocclusion between children with and without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Craniofacial factors appear to play a limited role in childhood OSA development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Orthodontics
  • Craniofacial Biology

Background:

  • Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are prevalent in children.
  • Altered craniofacial morphology is a suspected contributor to OSA pathophysiology.
  • Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of craniofacial abnormalities and malocclusion in children referred for polysomnography (PSG) due to suspected OSA.
  • To determine if specific craniofacial characteristics are associated with OSA in children.

Main Methods:

  • A multicentre prevalence study involving 315 children (≥4 years old) across four Canadian sites.
  • Participants underwent overnight PSG, clinical orthodontic assessment, and completed paediatric sleep questionnaires.
  • Data analyzed included anthropometric measurements, intra-oral/facial morphology, and Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI).

Main Results:

  • Significant OSA risk factors included male sex, snoring, endomorph body type, and hypertrophic tonsils.
  • No significant differences in intra-oral and facial morphology were found between children with and without PSG-verified OSA.
  • Maxillary constriction, posterior crossbite, and retrognathic mandible prevalence did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Craniofacial morphology may play a limited role in the pathophysiology of OSA in most children.
  • A multidisciplinary approach involving dental professionals is vital for assessing children with suspected OSA.
  • Further research may explore other contributing factors beyond craniofacial structure.

Keywords:
childrencraniofacial morphologymalocclusionobstructive sleep apnoea

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