In various post-consonantal environments, the palatal glide /j/ has been subject to variation and change since the late 17th century. Retention, coalescence, and deletion of the glide respectively account for various pronunciations of the word due [dju:], [dʒu:], and [du:] in different dialects of English. Research in this area has often focused on internal motivations. However, the external motivations that regulate the practice of glide variants in the speech of different segments of communities have been a relatively recent area of investigation. Among other dialects, Australian English is one of the major varieties that has not been formally assessed in this area. Hence, the aim of this thesis has been to investigate possible associations between the glide variants and their emergence in the speech of 48 speakers of Australian English. The audio data for this study were 12 tokens pronounced by the speakers in wordlist, sentences, and a story, and were extracted from the AusTalk Corpus (Burnham, Cox et al., 2011). The results for separate analysis of social variables seem to indicate that the spread of different glide variants in the speech of speakers are mainly conditioned by age. The combination of the social variables shows that glide retention is most frequent in the speech of higher educated old individuals. By contrast, glide deletion seems to be almost non-existent in their speech while more frequent in the pronunciations of the young. Overall, glide coalescence is the most present and has the strongest stylistic consistency in the speech of individuals. Further details and possible reasons behind these observations are discussed in the work that follows.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the rat as a model for middle ear re­search. The rat was chosen primarily because the gross structure of its middle ear shows several similarities to that of man. It was considered of great importance to make a thorough structural study of the rat middle ear and to compare the results with those reported for the human middle ear. The thesis therefore includes indepen­dent studies on various aspects of rat middle ear structure and function as well as a review of the literature. The most pertinent findings in the experimental part of this study were the following. The rat Eustachian tube consists of a nasopharyngeal, and a cartilaginous and bony portion. The orifice of the nasopharyngeal portion is composed of two soft tissue lips, which appear to be opened mainly by the action of the salpingopharyngeal mus­cle, but also by the levator and tensor veli palatini muscles. The cartilaginous por­tion appears to be opened solely by the tensor veli palatini muscle. The tensor tympani muscle seems to have no effect on the tube. A ciliated and secretory epithelium lines the inferomedial walls of the tube throughout its length. In the tympanic cavity these thelial cell types extend as two tracts - one anterior and the other inferoposterior to  the promontory - which communicate with the epitympanic/attic compartments. The remaining parts of the tube and the tympanic cavity are covered by a squamous/cuboidal, non-ciliated epithelium. The subepithelial loose connective tissue contains vessels, nerves, and connective tissue cells, among these mast cells. The mast cells are confined to areas covered by the ciliated epithelium, and in the floor of the bulla, in the pars flaccida, and along the manubrial vessels. Glands are restricted to the Eustachian tube. In the clearance/transport of serum-like material, from the epitympanum towards the tube, hydrostatic forces appear to be important. The tympanic membrane is vascularized from meatal and tympanal vessels. Meatal ves­sels branch in the pars flaccida and along the handle of the malleus, where they are localized directly beneath the outer, keratinizing, stratified, squamous epithelium. Furthermore, meatal vessels form a vascular network at the junction between the fi­brocartilaginous annulus and the tympanic sulcus. Tympanal vessels send branches to the periphery of the pars tensa, where they run immediately beneath the tympanal, simple, squamous epithelium. In the major portion of the pars tensa, no blood vessels were found. The rat stapedial artery is a thin-walled vessel with a wide lumen. Without branch­ing, it runs through the tympanic cavity to the extratympanal regions it supplies. In contrast to the corresponding artery in man, the rat stapedial artery persists throughout life. The artery does not seem to be affected by the fluid produced during experimentally induced otitis media with effusion. The middle ear structure in the rat and in man show both similarities and differ­ences. If the differences are kept in mind and considered, it would seem that the rat is indeed a suitable model for experimental middle ear research. / digitalisering@umu

A expansão rápida de maxila assistida cirurgicamente (ERMAC) é uma das formas de tratamento para a deficiência transversal de maxila. Essa técnica depende do uso de dispositivos expansores, os quais podem ter relação com a movimentação dos dentes superiores, não existindo estudos que apontem alterações dos dentes inferiores. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo mensurar a movimentação dos dentes superiores e inferiores, produzidas pela ERMAC, por meio de técnicas cirúrgicas com diferentes tipos de corticotomias da parede anterior da maxila. O estudo foi composto 87 exames de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC), sendo esses divididos de acordo com o osteotomia realizada: Grupo I (n= 42) osteotomia do tipo Le Fort I subtotal com degrau no pilar zigomático-maxilar e Grupo 2 (n = 45) osteotomia do tipo Le Fort I subtotal com osteotomia linear descendente. Os períodos avaliados foram divididos em: pré-operatório (T0), após o término da ativação do dispositivo expansor (T1) e período de contenção ortodôntica (T2). Os dados foram tabulados, comparados entre os períodos estudados e analisados estatisticamente por meio da análise de variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA) e Teste de Tukey para comparação entre os três tempos, nos quais foram avaliados o total de pacientes (GI+GII) e cada grupo isoladamente (GI) (GII). Os resultados demonstraram aumento estatisticamente significativo das dimensões maxilares, além a inclinação vestibular dos dentes 13, 23, 16 e 26, em ambos os grupos; observaram-se efeitos dentoesqueléticos mandibulares na largura da cortical lingual, aumento da distância entre os ápices dos dentes 46 e 36 e inclinação vestibular do dente 36. Porém, somente esse último foi estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05). Isso nos permitiu concluir que, em procedimentos de expansão rápida de maxila assistida cirurgicamente são verificados efeitos dento-esqueléticos predominantemente maxilares, mas podem ocorrer efeitos mandibulares, sendo esses sem significância estatística. / Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is the main treatment option for transverse maxillary deficiency in adults. This technique depends on the use of expanders, which are commonly related to the movement of teeth in the maxilla, however, there are no studies analyzing the occurrence of alterations in the lower teeth to this date. The aim of this study was to assess the movement of upper and lower teeth produced by SARME executed by means of two surgical techniques with different types of corticotomies on the anterior wall of the maxilla. The sample consisted of 87 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, which were divided in two groups according to the osteotomy performed: Group I (n = 42) Le Fort I subtotal osteotomy with a step on the zygomatic-buttress and Group 2 (n = 45) Le Fort I type subtotal osteotomy with a linear descending osteotomy of the maxilla. The time periods evaluated were divided into: preoperative (T0), immediately after activation of the expander device was ceased (T1) and ending of orthodontic containment period (T2). The data were tabulated and compared between the periods studied and statistically analyzed by means of analysis of variance for repeated measurements (ANOVA) and Tukey\'s test for comparison between the three time periods. The total number of individuals (GI + GII) and each isolated group (GI) (GII) were analyzed. The results showed a statistically significant increase of all the maxillary dimensions associated with buccal inclination of the teeth 13, 23, 16 and 26 in both groups; mandibular dentoskeletal effects on the width of the lingual cortex were observed, there was also an increased distance between the apexes of teeth 46 and 36, and buccal inclination of the tooth 36 were noted, however, only the latter was statistically significant (p <0.05). This has allowed us to conclude that, in procedures of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, dento-skeletal effects are predominantly maxillary, but mandibular effects may also occur, mainly without statistical significance.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and odds ratios for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) among infants prenatally exposed to opioids with or without neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Design: This study represents an exploratory, retrospective cohort study design of newborn medical health records from 2011 to 2016. Setting: Records were drawn from a regional health system located in South Central Appalachia. Population and study sample: The original population yielded 3 cohorts of infants: (1) infants with opioid exposure (OE) but not requiring pharmacological intervention (OE; N = 168); (2) infants with NOWS requiring pharmacological intervention (N = 294); and (3) infants with no opioid exposure (NOE; N = 16 090), the primary comparison group. Main outcome: Infants in the NOWS and OE groups showed significantly increased prevalence and odds ratios for CL/P when compared to those in the NOE group. Results: Prevalence rates per 1000 live births for infants with OE (35.71) and infants with NOWS (6.80) were significantly higher than those for infants with NOE (1.37). Comparison of infants with OE to the NOE group revealed significantly increased odds for CL/P, isolated cleft palate (CP), cleft lip (CL), and cleft lip and palate (CLP) (27.05, 41.81, 19.26, 19.37, respectively; all Ps < .008). The odds ratios for infants with NOWS compared to the NOE group were significantly higher for CL/P and CP (5.00 and 10.98, respectively; Ps < .03) but not for CL and CLP. Conclusion: The results provide additional evidence that prenatal OE should be considered among the critical environmental risk factors that can contribute to CL/P.

Introduction : L’expansion palatine rapide assistée chirurgicalement (EPRAC) est une option de traitement privilégiée chez les patients ayant atteint la maturité squelettique et présentant une déficience transverse du maxillaire. L’effet bénéfique de l’EPRAC sur la fonction respiratoire est régulièrement mentionné, toutefois, encore peu d’études ont évalué son impact sur les voies aériennes supérieures. L’objectif de cette étude clinique prospective comparative consistait à évaluer les effets tridimensionnels de l’EPRAC sur la cavité nasale, le nasopharynx et l’oropharynx à l’aide de la tomodensitométrie. Méthodologie : L’échantillon était constitué de 14 patients (5 hommes, 9 femmes) dont l’âge moyen était de 23,0 ± 1,9 ans (16 ans 4 mois à 39 ans 7 mois). Tous ont été traités avec un appareil d’expansion de type Hyrax collé et l’expansion moyenne a été de 9,82 mm (7,5 - 12,0 mm). Tous ont eu une période de contention d’une année avant le début de tout autre traitement orthodontique. Une évaluation par tomodensitométrie volumique à faisceau conique a été réalisée aux temps T0 (initial), T1 (6 mois post-expansion) et T2 (1an post-expansion) et le volume des fosses nasales, du nasopharynx et de l’oropharynx ainsi que les dimensions de la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx ont été mesurés sur les volumes tridimensionnels obtenus. Résultats : Les résultats radiologiques ont démontré une augmentation significative du volume des fosses nasales et du nasopharynx ainsi qu’une augmentation de la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx à 6 mois post-expansion. Par la suite, une portion du gain enregistré pour ces trois paramètres était perdue à un an post-EPRAC sans toutefois retourner aux valeurs initiales. Aucun effet significatif sur le volume de l’oropharynx n’a été observé. De plus, aucune corrélation significative entre la quantité d’expansion réalisée et l’ensemble des données radiologiques n’a été observée. L’analyse de la corrélation intra-classe a démontré une excellente fiabilité intra-examinateur. Conclusions : L’EPRAC entraîne un changement significatif du volume de la cavité nasale et du nasopharynx. L’EPRAC ne modifie pas le volume de l’oropharynx, par contre, un effet significatif sur la zone de constriction maximale de l’oropharynx est noté. Les effets observés n’ont pas de corrélation avec le montant d’activation de la vis d’expansion. / Introduction: Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is a treatment of choice for patients who have reached skeletal maturity and present a maxillary transverse deficiency. It is often mentioned that SARPE has the benefit to improve respiratory function, however, only a few research projects have investigated the effects of SARPE on the upper airways. The objective of this clinical prospective comparative study was to evaluate the three-dimensional effects of SARPE on the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx and the oropharynx using computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 14 subjects (5 males, 9 females) whose mean age was 23.0 ± 1.9 years (range: 16 y. 4 mo. to 39 y. 7 mo.). All patients were treated using a bonded Hyrax expander and the mean expansion was 9.82 mm (7.5-12.0 mm). A one-year retention period was undertaken before the beginning of any other orthodontic treatment. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation was performed at T0 (initial), T1 (6 months post-expansion) and T2 (1 year post-expansion), and then the nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes and the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area were measured on the three-dimensional volumes that were obtained. Results: Radiological results have demonstrated a significant increase of the nasal and nasopharyngeal volumes and also an increase of the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area at 6 months post-expansion. At one year post-SARPE, for these three parameters, a part of the gain was lost but did not return to the initial values. No significant effect on oropharyngeal volume was found. No significant correlation between expansion screw activation and radiological parameters were noted. Intra-class correlation analysis showed excellent intra-examiner reliability. Conclusions: SARPE causes significant changes of the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal volumes. SARPE does not modify the oropharyngeal volume, but induces significant changes of the oropharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area. The observed effects do not have a correlation with the amount of expansion screw activation.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Introduction : Le bruxisme du sommeil est un désordre du mouvement décrit comme un mouvement involontaire de la mastication durant le sommeil. Cette parafonction est observée dans 14-38% de la population pédiatrique. Un lien a été trouvé entre les événements respiratoires et les épisodes de bruxisme. L’expansion palatine rapide (EPR) est un traitement orthopédique effectué chez les enfants en croissance pour régler un manque transverse squelettique du maxillaire supérieur. Quelques études ont observé que l’apnée obstructive du sommeil a été diminuée par un traitement d’expansion palatine rapide. Objectifs : Étant donné que le bruxisme est en lien avec des événements respiratoires et que l’expansion palatine rapide augmente la dimension des cavités nasales, l’objectif de la présente étude est d’évaluer la possible réduction du bruxisme après le traitement d’expansion rapide. Méthodes : Ce projet pilote est une étude clinique randomisée contrôlée de patients consécutifs qui a inclus 27 enfants (8-14 ans, 8 garçons et 19 filles) avec ou sans bruxisme du sommeil. Tous ces patients sont venus à la clinique d’orthodontie de l’Université de Montréal et présentaient un manque transverse du maxillaire supérieur (au moins 5 mm). Dans le cadre de l’étude, les patients devaient passer un enregistrement polysomnographique ambulatoire avant le traitement d’expansion palatine (T0) et après l’activation de l’appareil d’expansion (T1). Résultats : Les résultats démontrent une diminution du bruxisme chez 60% (9 patients) de nos patients bruxeurs. L’interaction entre le traitement et les groupes (Br et Ctl) s’est avérée significative (p=0,05 ANOVA mesures répétées), et démontre une diminution du bruxisme chez les bruxeurs (p=0,04, t-test paire). Les médianes (min, max) du groupe avec bruxisme sont passées de 3,11 (2,06; 7,68) à 2,85 (0,00; 9,51). Les paramètres de sommeil sont restés stables (Stade N1/N2/N3, REM, efficacité du sommeil), ainsi que les paramètres respiratoires et le ronflement. Conclusion : Une réduction du bruxisme a été observée lors de cette étude, mais un échantillonnage plus grand est nécessaire pour conclure. / Introduction: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a movement disorder described as an involuntary mastication movement during sleep. This parafunction is observed in 14-38% of the child population. A link was found between respiratory events and episodes of bruxism. Rapid palatal expansion (RPE) in children is an orthopedic treatment that is effective in correcting maxillary transverse deficiency and in reducing obstructive apnea syndrome (OAS) by increasing airway capacity. Objectives : Since bruxism is related to respiratory events and RPE increases respiratory capacity, the objective of this study is to evaluate the possible reduction of bruxism after RPE therapy. Material and Methods : This prospective randomized controlled clinical pilot study recruited 27 children (8-14 years old, 8 boys, 19 girls) with or without sleep bruxism. These patients were seeking treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency (5 mm or more) at the orthodontics department of the University of Montreal. Patients underwent an ambulatory polysomnography before (T0) and after expansion (T1). Sleep parameters, rhythmic muscular masticatory activity index were evaluated. Results : The results show a reduction of bruxism in 60% of bruxer patients (9 participants). The interaction between the treatment and the groups (Br and ctl) was significant (p=0,05, repeated measures ANOVA). A reduction of bruxism is shown for bruxers (p=0,04, paired t-test). The sleep parameters stayed stable after RPE (Stage N1/N2/N3, REM, sleep efficiency) as well as the breathing parameters and snoring data. The medians (min, max) of bruxism group went from 3,11 (2,06; 7,68) to 2,85 (0,00; 9,51). Conclusion : During this study, a reduction of bruxism was observed but a larger sample size is needed to conclude on the subject.

INTRODUÇÃO: A literatura confirma a relação existente entre os Distúrbios Respiratórios do Sono (DRS) e os sintomas do Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade (TDAH). Há estudos que mostram o efeito dos tratamentos para DRS no comportamento, observando-se, após adenotonsilectomia, melhora nos índices dos testes de comportamento, assim como no desempenho escolar das crianças com TDAH. Considerando-se a relação existente entre a Respiração Oral (RO) e os DRS e entre estes e o TDAH, pretende-se avaliar se ocorrem interferências sintomáticas entre a RO e o TDAH, quando se obtém a reversão da RO em respiração nasal fisiológica, através da utilização do tratamento ortopédico funcional (utilização de placas ortopédicas, orientação para o fechamento labial, ginástica respiratória) e terapia fonoaudiológica. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo longitudinal, realizado entre janeiro de 2004 e janeiro de 2007, acompanhando pacientes com TDAH e RO, de 7 a 13 anos de idade, por 18 meses, no ambulatório de TDAH do Hospital das Clínicas/ FMUSP, comparamos os escores de testes comportamentais para TDAH (Conners e SNAP IV) em dois grupos de pacientes que estavam sendo tratados com metilfenidato, um dos quais recebeu tratamento ortopédico funcional e fonoaudiológico para a RO. RESULTADOS: 1) Não houve diferenças entre o grupo tratado e não tratado para a RO com respeito à idade; 2) Os escores dos questionários no grupo tratado para RO foram significantemente diminuindo (indicando melhora) em todas as variáveis (exceto Conners Pais -conduta anti-social), ao longo do tempo; 3) Os escores dos questionários no grupo tratado para RO foram significantemente menores (indicando melhora) do que os escores do grupo não tratado, para todas as variáveis estudadas, quando se comparam os dois grupos; 4) Esta melhora dos sintomas ocorreu após 12 meses de tratamento para RO e persistiu aos 18 meses; 5) dois dos oito pacientes do grupo tratado puderam interromper o metilfenidato, sendo que todos os pacientes do grupo não tratado ainda utilizam o medicamento. CONCLUSÕES: O Tratamento Ortopédico Funcional para RO, em conjunto com a terapia fonoaudiológica, foi efetivo para a melhora dos sintomas de TDAH em pacientes em tratamento com metilfenidato; a RO e os DRS devem ser investigados e tratados em pacientes com diagnóstico ou suspeita de TDAH, pois podem contribuir para a piora dos sintomas. / INTRODUCTION: A number of studies demonstrate the relationship between Sleep Respiratory Disorders (SRD) and symptoms of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some of them assess the effect of the treatments for SRD on the behavior; for example, an improvement of the scores in the behavior tests, as well as in the school performance of children with TDAH is observed after adenotonsillectomy Considering the relation between mouth breathing (MB) and SRD and between these and the ADHD, we aimed to evaluate symptomatic interferences between MB and ADHD, through the reversion of MB in physiological nasal breath, by means of functional orthopedics treatment (use of orthopedics plates, orientation for labial closing, respiratory gymnastics) and speech therapy. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, performed between January of 2004 and January of 2007, 16 patients with ADHD and MB, aged 7 to 13 years, and who were being treated with methylphenidate, were followed-up for 18 months, in the outpatient clinic for ADHD at the Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP. We compared the scores in ADHD tests (Conners and SNAP IV) of two groups of eight patients, one of which received functional orthopedics treatment and speech therapy for MB and the other did not. RESULTS: 1) The two groups were statistically equivalent by age; 2) The scores of the questionnaires in the group of patients treated for MB were significantly lowering (indicating improvement) regarding all the variables (except Conners Parents - antisocial behavior), along the follow-up period; 3) The scores of the questionnaires in the treated group were significantly lower (indicating improvement) of the scores in no treated group, for all the studied variables, when the two groups are compared; 4) This improvement of the symptoms occurred 12 months after the beginning of the treatment for MB and persisted at 18 months; 5) two of the eight patients from the treated group were indicated for interrupting the methylphenidate; however, all patients of the group not treated were still utilizing the medication. CONCLUSIONS: Functional the Orthopedics Treatment for MB, associated with speech therapy, was effective for the improvement of the symptoms of ADHD in patients who were being treated with methylphenidate; MB and SRD must be investigated and treated in patients with diagnosis or suspicion of ADHD, as they can contribute for the worsening of the symptoms.

Introdução- Obstrução das vias aeríferas superiores associadas a mudanças nos padrões de sono, estão diretamente relacionados a problemas de crescimento e aprendizagem, o que interfere com a qualidade de vida das crianças com este quadro. Métodos de expansão maxilar já mostraram efeito favorável sobre a função respiratória. Aparelhos removíveis intra-orais têm sido usados no tratamento do ronco e apneia do sono, buscando reequilibrar a postura da mandíbula e da língua para melhorar a função respiratória. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar as dimensões da faringe, o crescimento craniofacial e os sintomas respiratórios obstrutivos em crianças com ronco e aumento das tonsilas faríngeas e palatinas em tratamento com um aparelho ortodôntico e ortopédico bucal. Métodos- Quarenta crianças de 6 a 9 anos de idade com tonsilas faríngeas e palatinas graus 3 e 4 e apresentando maxila atrésica e sobressaliência anterior foram divididos em dois grupos aleatórios: 24 pacientes tratados com o aparelho oral e 16 controles não tratados. As dimensões da faringe foram medidas por faringometria acústica. Cefalometria avaliou o crescimento facial, incluindo os valores relacionados com a apnéia do sono. Os pais preencheram questionários sobre os sintomas respiratórios da criança. Os pacientes foram reavaliados após 6 meses, em ambos os grupos. Resultados: A faringometria acústica confirmou um aumento volumétrico de 3,1 cm3 (d.p. ± 2,5) na faringe, no grupo de estudo e uma redução volumétrica de -1,2 cm3 (d.p. ± 1,3) no não tratado (p <0,001). A área mínima de colapsibilidade no grupo de estudo apresentou incremento de 1,1 cm2 (dp ± 0,2) para 1,3 cm2 (d.p. ± 0,2) e uma redução no grupo controle de 1,5 cm2 (dp ± 0,3) para 1,3 cm2 (d.p. ± 0,3) estatisticamente significante (p <0,001). A cefalometria comprovou crescimento craniofacial mais favorável no grupo de estudo, em comparação aos controles, incluindo os valores relacionados a apnéia do sono, como ANB, MMPA e H-ML (p <0,001) . O questionário de sintomas confirmou uma melhoria no padrão de respiração e sono no grupo tratado. Conclusão- As crianças que foram submetidos a esse protocolo de tratamento apresentaram aumento de dimensões da faringe, direção de crescimento mais favorável, e uma melhora na respiração e qualidade do sono / Introduction- Airway obstruction due to associated changes in sleep patterns are directly related to problems of growth and learning, which interfer with the quality of life for these children. Maxillary expansion methods have shown favorable effect on respiratory function. Intra-oral removable appliances have been used in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea, seeking to rebalance the posture of the jaw and tongue to improve breathing function. The purpose of this thesis is evaluate the facial growth, pharyngeal dimensions and respiratory symptoms in snoring children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids under treatment with an orthodontic and orthopedic oral appliance. Methods- Forty snoring children ages 6 to 9 years old with tonsil and adenoid enlargement grades 3 and 4 and presenting constricted maxilla were divided into two randomized groups: 24 patients treated with the oral appliance and 16 untreated controls. Pharyngeal size was measured by acoustic pharyngometry. Cephalometry evaluated the facial growth including values related to sleep apnea. Pharyngeal size was measured by acoustic pharyngometry. Parents filled out questionnaires about their child\'s respiratory symptoms. Patients were re-evaluated after 6 months, in both groups Results- Acoustic pharyngometry confirmed a volumetric gain of 3.1 cm3 (s.d. ±2.5) in the pharynx at the study group and a volumetric reduction of -1.2 cm3 (s.d. ±1.3) at the untreated (p<0.001). The minimum area on collapsibility at the study group showed an increment from1.1 cm2 (s.d.±0.2) to 1.3 cm2 (s.d.±0.2) and a reduction on the control group from 1.5 cm2 (s.d.±0.3) to 1.3 cm2 (s.d.±0.3) statistically significant (p<0.001). Cephalometry showed a more favorable facial growth on the study group compared to controls, including values related to sleep apnea prediction such as ANB, MMPA and H-ML (p<0.001). The symptoms questionnaire confirmed an improvement on the breathing pattern at the group treated. Conclusions- Children who underwent this treatment protocol presented more favorable growth direction, enlargement of pharyngeal dimensions, and an improvement in breathing and sleep

Introdução: A atresia transversa da maxila é a discrepância volumétrica existente entre a maxila e a mandíbula no plano transversal que, além de alterações dento-esqueléticas, gera mudanças craniofaciais importantes, como o estreitamento das cavidades nasais, a diminuição da permeabilidade nasal e a respiração bucal. A expansão palatina cirurgicamente assistida (EPCA) é a técnica cirúrgica indicada para a correção da atresia maxilar em pacientes adultos, com o crescimento ósseo finalizado. A rinometria acústica é uma técnica objetiva de estudo da respiração nasal, com a qual se avalia a geometria e o volume nasal. Já a rinomanometria trata-se de um método aerodinâmico que quantifica a pressão transnasal e a resistência ao fluxo aéreo. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar subjetiva e objetivamente a função respiratória nasal, em pacientes com atresia maxilar, submetidos à EPCA e determinar o tipo de correlação existente entre as medidas ortodônticas e as alterações de área, volume, resistência, e fluxo aéreo nasal. Casuística e Métodos: Para a realização do estudo foram avaliados 27 pacientes adultos, por meio da rinometria acústica, rinomanometria, medidas ortodônticas (perímetro e comprimento do arco maxilar, distância transversa entre caninos, prés-molares e molares superiores) em modelos de estudos e escala visual analógica da função respiratória apenas nasal, no pré-operatório, após a ativação do expansor maxilar do tipo Hyrax, instalado previamente à cirurgia, e após quatro meses da EPCA, realizada sob anestesia geral. Os exames otorrinolaringológicos foram realizados em sala ambientalizada, com e sem o uso de vasoconstritor nasal, em ambas as cavidades nasais. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que 59,3% da casuística era do gênero feminino, com idade média de 25,33 anos. Todas as medidas ortodônticas obtiveram um aumento estatisticamente significante (p<0,001), que mantiveram-se ao longo da tempo (p<0,001). Todas as medidas avaliadas apresentaram melhores resultados com o uso de vasoconstritor nasal. A área da cavidade nasal como um todo aumentou após a cirurgia (p<0,036). O volume médio é 2,75 maior com o uso de vasoconstritor (p < 0,001), porém não houve alterações estatisticamente significantes entre os momentos avaliados. Os fluxos expiratórios e inspiratórios aumentaram ao longo do tempo (p<0,001, para ambos). A pressão expiratória diminui no decorrer dos momentos avaliados (p<0,004). A análise subjetiva da sensação respiratória apenas pelo nariz aumentou significantemente de um momento para o outro (p<0,05). Houve correlação estatística entre perímetro do arco aumentado e resistência aérea diminuída (p=0,004) e entre o aumento de uma medida transversa com o aumento do fluxo inspiratório e expiratório, sem o uso de vasoconstritor (p=0,023 e p=0,004 respectivamente). Apenas o fluxo respiratório apresentou comportamento diferente entre os lados. Conclusões: Assim, conclui-se que o procedimento cirúrgico de EPCA promove alterações importantes nas cavidades oral e nasais que, associadas, geram melhor qualidade respiratória ao paciente e demonstram a relevância clínica otorrinolaringológica de tal procedimento cirúrgico bucomaxilofacial / Introduction: Transverse atresia of maxilla is a volumetric discrepancy existing between the maxilla and the mandible on the transversal plan that, besides dentoskeletal alterations, generates important craniofacial changes, such as nasal cavities constriction, diminution of nasal permeability and buccal breathing. The surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is the surgical technique indicated for correcting maxillary atresia in adult patients, whose bone development was concluded. Acoustic rhinometry is a technique of nasal breathing, with which the nasal geometry and volume are assessed. As for rhinomanometry, it is an aerodynamic method that quantifies the transnasal pressure and resistance to aerial flow. Objectives: The purpose of this paper was evaluating subjectively and objectively the nasal respiratory function in patients with maxillary atresia, who have undergone SARME and determining the type of correlation existing between the orthodontic measures and the alterations of area, volume, resistance, and nasal aerial flow. Casuistic and Methods: For the paper accomplishment were assessed 27 adult patients, through acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, orthodontic measures (perimeter and length of maxillary arch, transverse distance among canines, premolars and superior molars) in models of studies and analogical visual scale of only nasal respiratory function, on pre-surgical, after the activation of Hyrax-type maxillary expander, installed previously to the surgery, and after four months of SARME, accomplished under general anesthesia. The otorhinolaryngological tests were accomplished in an environmentally adapted room, with and without the use of nasal vasoconstrictor, in both nasal cavities. Results: The results have demonstrated that 59.3% of the casuistic was of female gender, with an average age of 25.33 years. All the orthodontic measures have obtained a statistically significant growth (p<0.001), which have maintained along the time (p<0.001). All the assessed measures have presented better results with the use of nasal vasoconstrictor. The nasal cavity area as a whole augmented after the surgery (p<0.036). The average volume is 2.75 larger with the vasoconstrictor use (p < 0.001), however, there was any statistically significant alterations between the moments assessed. The expiratory and inspiratory flows have grown along the time (p<0.001, for both). The expiratory pressure is reduced in the course of the moments assessed (p<0.004). The subjective analysis of respiratory sensation only through nose has increased significantly from one moment to the other (p<0.05). There was a statistic correlation between perimeter of augmented arch and aerial resistance diminished (p=0.004) and between the increase of a transverse measure with the growth of inspiratory and expiratory flow, with and without the use of vasoconstrictor (p=0.023 and p=0.004 respectively). Only the respiratory flow presented a different behavior between the sides. Conclusions: Thus, it is concluded that the SARME promotes important alterations on oral and nasal cavities that, associated, generate a better respiratory quality to the patient and demonstrate a clinical otorhinolaryngological relevance of such bucomaxillofacial surgical procedure