Craniofacial morphology in preschool children with sleep‐related breathing disorder and hypertrophy of tonsils

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine craniofacial morphology, pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position in preschool children with sleep‐related breathing disorder associated with hypertrophy of tonsils (SBDT). Thirty‐eight preschool children, mean age 4.7 y, with SBDT and with an apnoea index (AI) of 0 < AI <5, were divided into two groups. One consisted of 15 children with sleep‐related breathing disorder (SBD) and more than 75% of the tonsils visible (GUI) and the other of 23 children with SBD and 25–75% of the tonsils visible (Gil). The control group consisted of 31 children without ear, nose and throat disease and with GI (barely visible) tonsils. Compared with the controls, GUI children had a retrognathic mandible, a large posterior facial height, a large interincisal angle with retroclined lower incisors, a narrow pharyngeal airway space, an anterior tongue base position and a long soft palate. Compared with the controls, Gil children had a large anterior lower facial height and a short nasal floor. However, like the controls, Gil children did not have a retrognathic mandible. Conclusion: The findings show that children with SBDT display a characteristic facial appearance at an early age. Since the condition has an effect on growth, it needs to be prevented by controlling morphology and function at the preschool age.