0808 Comparison of Maxillary Transverse Dimension with Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Presence and Severity

Introduction Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children and adolescents is commonly discussed amongst dental specialists. Physical attributes such as a high and narrow palate, dolichofacial appearance, and retrognathic mandible are reported to increase pediatric risk for OSA. Previous research states rapid maxillary expansion decreases AHI in children with OSA and may be an effective treatment option. Current literature does not report a consistent method of measuring a maxillary transverse deficiency nor does it report a numerical maxillary threshold deficiency that requires expansion in pediatric patients with OSA. Our aims are to compare two different orthodontic diagnostic methods for measuring the maxillary transverse dimension and to assess whether patients diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe OSA have a numerical threshold for maxillary deficiency. Methods Participants were ages 7-17 years old (average 11.7 years) with no history of orthodontic treatment, craniofacial syndromes, craniosynostosis forms, or nasal abnormalities. Those with and without adenoids and tonsils were included. Participants presented to the Mayo Clinic Sleep Center for their polysomnogram. Their dentition was scanned, and a digital model was rendered. The maxillary transverse dimension was measured via two different methods: McNamara’s Analysis and Andrew’s Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony. Results There were 65 participants: 31 diagnosed with OSA (13 Mild, 4 Moderate, 5 Severe, and 9 Other) and 34 without (controls). Patients in the Other category were diagnosed based on clinical findings. No statistical difference was found between the maxillary transverse measurements of patients with versus without OSA or between the OSA categories. Patients with OSA were more likely to have permanent teeth (61.3% vs 32.4%, p=0.019), tonsils removed (54.8% vs 26.5%, p=0.020), and to have snored during the PSG (83.9% vs 55.9%, p=0.048). Conclusion Conclusions based on this pilot study should be interpreted carefully due to limited sample sizes. No statistically significant differences of the maxillary transverse dimension were found between those with and without OSA using either diagnostic method. No numerical maxillary deficiency threshold was found. Maxillary expansion should not be recommended based on OSA diagnosis alone. Referral to a dental specialist is recommended based on dental needs. Support (if any) Support was provided by Mayo Clinic CTSA grant UL1TR002377.