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Exploring the relationship between transverse maxillary constriction and sleep disordered breathing in children aged 3 to 18 years

OBJECTIVE: Our main objective was to evaluate the relationship between Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) and dental arch characteristics. Specifically, we explored the relationship between maxillary constriction and SDB in children aged 3 to 18.
METHODS: In this case control study, a retrospective review of data was collected over 4 years (2013-2017) was conducted. The data was obtained from a larger ongoing observational study on sleep disturbances in children aged 3 to 18 in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Based on parents’ responses in a brief sleep-screening questionnaire, the case group included children with disturbed sleep and the control group included children without any sleep disturbances. Parents of the participating children also completed a detailed questionnaire that collected information on participants’ demographics and sleep patterns. A thorough clinical examination was conducted which consisted of intra-oral and extra-oral examinations that assessed the facial profile, breathing patterns, skeletal and dental classifications, crossbite and transverse maxillary arch. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore differences in the presence of maxillary constriction among children with and without sleep disturbances.
RESULTS: Among the sample of 134 subjects, the prevalence of SDB was 33.5%. Snoring and heavy breathing during sleep were significantly higher among children with SDB compared to children without SDB (p<0.001 and p<0.002 respectively). The prevalence of maxillary constriction with or without cross bite among all subjects was 20.9%. Children with SDB had a lower prevalence of maxillary constriction (17%) when compared to children without SDB (22%) (p = 0.81).
CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the presence of maxillary constriction between children with SDB and children without SDB in this study. Therefore, there was insufficient statistical evidence in this study to support that the presence of constricted palate as a risk factor for SDB. Larger studies with accurate clinical measurements of the palatal constriction may help to further explore the correlation between maxillary constriction and SDB.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/42833
Date03 August 2021
CreatorsAbulhamayel, Rewa Abdulaziz
ContributorsShanmugham, Jayapriyaa
Source SetsBoston University
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis/Dissertation

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