Relationship between facial morphology and the level of sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by upper airway obstruction. It is believed that facial biotype and skeletal pattern may be related to OSAS. The objective of this research was to measure the relationship between facial morphology and the level of sleepiness in patients diagnosed with OSAS. 28 records were used of patients diagnosed with OSAS who sought treatment in a private dental office in the city of Belem, Para, Brazil. Photographs of the documentation were used to perform the morphological analysis, and the patients were classified according to facial biotype, profile and shape of the palate. Patients also completed a survey about Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The average of male and female patients was 48 and 58 years, respectively. From the medical records analyzed, 35.7% of men and 50% of women were classified as brachycephalic. Regarding the sleep scale, women had a higher percentage of moderate sleepiness (35,7%) than men (28,6%). When the Chi-square test, Spearman’s correlation index and multiple linear regression analysis were applied, the results were not statiscally significant (p>0,05) for all variables. The data from this research were not able to confirm the relationship between facial morphology and the ESS. However, the analysis of facial morphology and the sleepiness scale can be used to assist in the diagnosis of OSAS.