Evaluation of craniofacial morphology in children with sleep-disorted breathing

This study aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of craniofacial morphology in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and to contribute to the existing literature. Individuals aged 12–17 years who applied for orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University, and met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ): those at risk of SDB and those without risk. Each group included 53 participants. Lateral cephalometric measurements were performed using specialized software (Dolphin Imaging 11.95). Independent samples t-test was used for normally distributed variables, while the MannWhitney U test was applied for non-normally distributed variables. The significance level was set at p<0.050. Results showed significant decreases in SNA, SNB, SND, S-N'-Pog', U1-SN, PFH/AFH, upper lip to E-line distance, t-Eb, H-RGN, C3-H, SPAS, IAS, and MAS values in the SDB group compared to the non-SDB group. Conversely, ANB, MP-SN, FH-SN, Gonial angle, FMA, NLA, SN-GoMe, N-ANS, N-Me, A-NPog, overjet, PNS-A, and lower lip to Eline distance values were significantly increased in the SDB group. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of IMPA, U1-L1, FH-NA, upper gonial angle, ramus position angle, mandibular arc angle, soft tissue convexity, overbite, UFH, LFH, MP-H, or Wits appraisal. In particular, cephalometric parameters such as clockwise rotation of the mandible, increased lower facial height, narrowed oropharyngeal space, and posteriorly positioned hyoid bone showed a significant association with sleep-disordered breathing. In conclusion, the cephalometric evaluation of craniofacial morphology in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing revealed that craniofacial structures play a significant role in the pathophysiology of this condition. The findings of this study may provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and cephalometric measurements. Keywords: sleep-disordered breathing, pediatric sleep questionnaire, craniofacial morphology