Association of anatomical structures with obstructive sleep SPNEA syndrome

In this study, it was aimed to determine the changes in the anatomical structures of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) classified according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). A total of 100 individuals between the ages of 20 and 76 participated in the study. Individuals were divided into groups as Group 1 (AHI = 0, n=20), Group 2 (AHI˂ 5, n=20), Group 3 (AHI = 5-15, n=20), Group 4 (AHI = 16-30, n=20 ), Group 5 (AHI˃ 30, n=20). The individuals' left lateral cervical vertebra radiographs were taken. After the obtained radiological images were transferred to the computer environment, measurements were made in mm from the determined morphometric points using the "Enlil PACS" program. These measurements are divided into four categories, including soft tissue, hyoid bone, airway size, and craniofacial variables. In this study, when compared with control group, age, weight, body mass index, neck circumference and Epworth Sleep Test scores increased in all groups. And also, among the soft tissue variables; soft palate and tongue length and among the hyoid bone variables; Hyoid-mandible, hyoid-posterior pharyngeal wall and hyoid-spina nasalis posterior distances were found increased. Finally, it was found that there was an increase in the distance between the spina nasalis anterior, the spina nasalis posterior and between the condylion and the gnathion and the total face length and the lower face length in all groups. It is thought that the results obtained from this study can help the diagnosis, treatment and further studies of OSAS.