Is there A Correlation between Sleep Disordered Breathing and Maxillary Expansion? A Retrospective Study Based on Cephalometric Assessment and Questionnaires

Aim: This study aimed to document the effect of maxillary expansion (ME) during childhood on Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) symptoms in adults. The secondary aim is to try to find a screening tool for daily use in the orthodontic/dental office in children who are not yet diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We tried to develop a tool that could help us in deciding which children should be referred for OSA screening, possibly including polysomnography, based on the cephalometric radiograph and the symptoms they report. Methods: This is a retrospective study (R) focusing on cephalometric measurements performed on 27 children (C), which had received maxillary expansion (RCS group) and as adults (A) attended a post-treatment follow-up on average 21.1(±7.24) years later (RAS group). A cephalometric radiograph before treatment and a cephalometric radiograph at post-treatment follow-up were traced. These were compared with untreated control (Co) groups of 50 subjects each (RCCo group and RACo group). Questionnaires related to SDB symptoms were administered in the RAS and RACo groups. Results: Small changes in cephalometric measurements were seen comparing patients with (RCS group and RAS group) and without (RCCo group and RACo group) maxillary expansion. Questionnaires were answered similarly by the study (RAS group) and control group (RACo group). Conclusions: Small cephalometric changes were seen between groups. Current Knowledge: The favorable effect of expansion of the maxilla on SDB symptoms has been demonstrated in several studies. The aim of this research was to document if patients treated with maxillary expansion during childhood can benefit from this intervention concerning at adult age. Study impact: Maxillary expansion during childhood might improve SDB symptoms at adult age.

Jaar van publicatie:2017

Toegankelijkheid:Open