Absence of facial type differences among preschool children with sleep-related breathing disorder

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out whether there are specific facial types and a specific hyoid bone position in preschool children with sleep-related breathing disorder (SBD). A total of 69 children were divided into 4 groups based on the mandibular line/Frankfurt horizontal angle and apnea index. There were 19 children with hyperdivergent facial type and SBD and 19 children with neutral facial type and SBD, all of them with documented 0 < AI. Ten children had hyperdivergent facial type and non-SBD, and 21 children neutral facial type and non-SBD. The present findings show that SBD may be associated with both hyperdivergent and neutral facial type. Furthermore, we could not find any specific hyoid bone position related to SBD, non-SBD, or to facial type. In conclusion, it is important to note that while evaluation based on facial type (mandibular shape or position) does not necessarily distinguish between children with SBD and children without SBD (non-SBD), important differences are found in the pharynx. Short nasal floor length, long soft palate, and particularly short upper pharyngeal width can be considered indicators of SBD.