Changes in behavioral and cognitive abilities after rapid maxillary expansion in children affected by persistent snoring after long-term adenotonsillectomy: A noncontrolled study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to verify changes in behavioral abilities and cognitive functions after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in children with refractory sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the long term after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial study using RME therapy was conducted. Participant inclusion criteria were children who had adenotonsillectomy with maxillary transverse deficiency and persistent SDB (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index ≥1). The study included 24 children aged 5-12 years, and of these 24 children, 13 had primary snoring and 11 had obstructive sleep apnea. The patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy and a complete polysomnography. In addition, patients completed the Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Behavioral and neurocognitive tests were also completed before and after RME. RESULTS: The Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life scores showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups (P <0.001) after RME. The results showed that neurocognitive and behavioral parameters (Child Behavior Checklist scale) were similar in primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups before RME. In the OSA group, the mean scores of the "Somatic" and "Aggressiveness" domains decreased significantly (P <0.05). The cognitive functions did not register significant differences pre- and post-RME in any of the cognitive functions, except for visuospatial function in the OSA group. CONCLUSIONS: The noncontrolled design was a major limitation of our study. The need for treatment for SDB should consider the association of symptoms and behavioral disturbances with the child's obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. RME might prove to be an alternative treatment for children with SDB refractory to adenotonsillectomy, improving quality of life and behavioral aspects. However, a larger sample size with a control group is needed to substantiate these claims.

Preliminary short-term outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion on periodic limb movements during sleep in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term outcome of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) in children with residual snoring after late adenotonsillectomy (AT). METHODS: This prospective clinical trial included 24 patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Participants' inclusion criteria were children with maxillary constriction aged 5-12 years who had AT for more than two years and those whose parents/guardians reported that they still snored ≥4 nights per week. Of which 13 had primary snoring, and 11 had OSA. All patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy evaluation and complete polysomnography. The Quality of life (QOL) Questionnaire (OSA-18), the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), the Conners Abbreviated Scale (CAE), and the Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) were applied before and after palatal expansion. RESULTS: The OSA 18 domain, PSQ total, CAE, and ESS scores were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in PLMS indices. In the total sample, the mean decreased significantly from 4.15 to 1.08. In the Primary Snoring group, the mean decreased from 2.64 to 0.99; in the OSA group, the average decreased significantly from 5.95 to 1.19. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that the improvement of PLMS in the OSA group with maxillary constriction is correlated with a favorable neurological impact of the treatment. We suggest a multi-professional approach to the treatment of sleep disorders in children.

The effects of rapid maxillary expansion on persistent pediatric snoring post-tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the short-term effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the quality of life of children who had persistent snoring post-adenotonsillectomy (AT). METHODS: The study included children with maxillary constriction aged 5 to 12 years, two or more years after AT whose parents/guardians reported that they still snored ≥ 5 nights per week. We enrolled children with sleep-disordered breathing, including children with primary snoring and children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). All patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy and complete polysomnography. Quality of Life (QOL) Questionnaire (OSA-18), the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), Conners Abbreviated Scale (CAS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered before and after RME. RESULTS: Of 24 children enrolled, 13 had primary snoring and 11 had OSA. Overall OSA-18 scores were reduced in both groups (intragroup difference, p < 0.001). The PSQ total score, CAS, and ESS were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.001) In the evaluation of snoring, there was a reduction due to the treatment effect in both groups (p < 0.001). Daytime sleepiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders were also positively affected in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the potential benefit of RME in treating children with persistent snoring and transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD). RME can improve snoring and the QOL of children with refractory SDB after AT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: RBR-463byn.

A clinical trial on 3D CT scan and polysomnographyc changes after rapid maxillary expansion in children with snoring

Abstract Objective: The present prospective clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the airway, correlating airway volumes obtained on multi-slice computed tomography and polysomnography assessment of oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index. Methods: Twenty-four patients (11 with obstructive sleep apnea and 13 with residual snoring, mean age 10.0 (1.8), were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent multislice computed tomography and nocturnal polysomnography before rapid maxillary expansion and after removal of maxillary expansion after six months. Airway regions were segmented, and volumes were computed. Results: The increase in oropharyngeal volume was significant in both groups. Oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between total airway volume, oxygen saturation, and apnea/hypopnea index changes between the time points examined. Conclusions: This study showed that when rapid maxillary expansion is performed in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, there were statistically significant differences in oropharyngeal volume between pre- and post-rapid maxillary expansion, but there was no correlation between oxygen saturation values and oropharyngeal volume increase. Level of evidence: The article is classified as Evidence Level 3 (Three).

A clinical trial on 3D CT scan and polysomnographyc changes after rapid maxillary expansion in children with snoring.

OBJECTIVE: The present prospective clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the airway, correlating airway volumes obtained on multi-slice computed tomography and polysomnography assessment of oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (11 with obstructive sleep apnea and 13 with residual snoring, mean age 10.0 (1.8), were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent multislice computed tomography and nocturnal polysomnography before rapid maxillary expansion and after removal of maxillary expansion after six months. Airway regions were segmented, and volumes were computed. RESULTS: The increase in oropharyngeal volume was significant in both groups. Oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between total airway volume, oxygen saturation, and apnea/hypopnea index changes between the time points examined. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that when rapid maxillary expansion is performed in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, there were statistically significant differences in oropharyngeal volume between pre- and post-rapid maxillary expansion, but there was no correlation between oxygen saturation values and oropharyngeal volume increase. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The article is classified as Evidence Level 3 (Three).

Effectiveness of functional orthodontic appliances in obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children: literature review / Eficácia dos aparelhos ortodônticos funcionais no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças: revisão da literatura

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common condition in childhood and if left untreated can result in many health problems. An accurate diagnosis of the etiology is crucial for obstructive sleep apnea treatment success. Functional orthodontic appliances that stimulate mandibular growth by forward mandibular positioning are an alternative therapeutic option in growing patients. Objective: To perform a literature review about the effects of functional orthodontic appliances used to correct the mandibular deficiency in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Methods: The literature search was conducted in June 2020 using Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), LILACS Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; EMBASE Bireme and BBO Bireme electronic databases. The search included papers published in English, until June 2020, whose methodology referred to the types and effects of functional orthopedic appliances on obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children. Results: The search strategy identified thirteen articles; only four articles were randomized clinical studies. All studies using the oral appliances or functional orthopedic appliances for obstructive sleep apnea in children resulted in improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index score. The cephalometric (2D) and tomographic (3D) evaluations revealed enlargement of the upper airway and increase in the upper airspace, improving the respiratory function in the short term. Conclusion: Functional appliances may bean alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it cannot be concluded that they are effective in treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. There are significant deficiencies in the existing evidence, mainly due to absence of control groups, small sample sizes, lack of randomization and no long-term results.

Resumo Introdução: A síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono é uma condição comum na infância e, se não tratada, pode resultar em muitos problemas de saúde. Um diagnóstico preciso da etiologia é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento dessa condição clínica. Aparelhos ortodônticos funcionais que estimulam o crescimento mandibular através do anteroposicionamento mandibular são uma opção terapêutica para pacientes em crescimento. Objetivo: Fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre os efeitos do aparelho ortodôntico funcional usado para corrigir a deficiência mandibular no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Método: A pesquisa bibliográfica foi feita em junho de 2020 nos os bancos de dados eletrônicos da Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), Lilacs Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; Embase Bireme e BBO Bireme. A busca incluiu artigos publicados em inglês, até junho de 2020, cuja metodologia referia-se aos tipos e efeitos dos aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças. Resultados: A estratégia de busca identificou 19 artigos; apenas quatro eram estudos clínicos randomizados. Todos os estudos que usaram aparelhos orais ou aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais para apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças resultaram em melhorias no índice de apneia-hipopneia. As avaliações cefalométrica (2D) e tomográfica (3D) mostraram alargamento das vias aéreas superiores e aumento do espaço das vias aéreas superiores, que melhoraram a função respiratória em curto prazo. Conclusão: Os aparelhos funcionais podem ser um tratamento opcional para apneia obstrutiva do sono, mas não é possível concluir que sejam eficazes na população pediátrica. Existem deficiências significativas nas evidências existentes, principalmente devido à ausência de grupos de controle, tamanho pequeno das amostras, falta de randomização e ausência de resultados em longo prazo.

Rapid maxillary expansion in patient with obstructive sleep apnea: case report.

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the polysomnography indices, air space in the oropharyngeal region and quality of life scores using the OSA-18 questionnaire in a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). It is a case report with a male patient, seven years old, with maxillary hypoplasia, who underwent adenotonsillectomy surgery two years ago, had restless sleep, snore more than five times a week. Pre- and post-treatment diagnostic tests were performed, including nasofibroscopy, polysomnography, computed tomography, orthodontic records and the OSA-18 quality of life questionnaire. The treatment consisted of RME with Hyrax maxillary expander. After six months, the exams were redone. The polysomnographic record before treatment: IAH 2.8/h, after treatment 0.5/h. We concluded that rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in children with OSA appears to be an effective treatment.

Effectiveness of functional orthodontic appliances in obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children: literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common condition in childhood and if left untreated can result in many health problems. An accurate diagnosis of the etiology is crucial for obstructive sleep apnea treatment success. Functional orthodontic appliances that stimulate mandibular growth by forward mandibular positioning are an alternative therapeutic option in growing patients. OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature review about the effects of functional orthodontic appliances used to correct the mandibular deficiency in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in June 2020 using Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), LILACS Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; EMBASE Bireme and BBO Bireme electronic databases. The search included papers published in English, until June 2020, whose methodology referred to the types and effects of functional orthopedic appliances on obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children. RESULTS: The search strategy identified thirteen articles; only four articles were randomized clinical studies. All studies using the oral appliances or functional orthopedic appliances for obstructive sleep apnea in children resulted in improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index score. The cephalometric (2D) and tomographic (3D) evaluations revealed enlargement of the upper airway and increase in the upper airspace, improving the respiratory function in the short term. CONCLUSION: Functional appliances may be an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it cannot be concluded that they are effective in treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. There are significant deficiencies in the existing evidence, mainly due to absence of control groups, small sample sizes, lack of randomization and no long-term results.

Quality of life related to residual snoring after adenotonsillectomy: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have addressed long-term quality of life related to residual snoring after adenotonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to compare scores from the OSA-18 questionnaire between children with residual snoring and non-snoring children two or more years after adenotonsillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 25 children divided into two groups, a group of 14 snoring children, and a control group of 11 non-snoring children. The OSA-18 questionnaire was applied to the volunteers. In the control group, it was completed by the caregivers of the children, while in individuals with residual snoring it was completed by the caregivers of children in the presence of a doctor or dentist. A statistical comparison was made using a generalized linear model. RESULTS: The snorer group had a higher total OSA-18 score, and a higher score in all five domains compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Children with residual snoring two or more years after adenotonsillectomy may have a worse quality of life compared to the control group.

The impact of positive airway pressure on midface growth: a literature review / O impacto da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas no crescimento da face média: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Introduction: The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure in children is restricted due to concerns that it could affect maxilla growth over time. Objective: To undertake a systematic review of the literature about the long-term impact of using a positive airway pressure mask on the midface in growing individuals. Methods: The literature search was conducted in September 2019 using the keywords ("long-term" OR "long term" OR "side effects" OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR "mid-face" OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND ("airway pressure" OR ventilation) in the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs. The search included papers published in English, until September 2019, on the effects of positive airway pressure on midfacial growth. Results: The search strategy identified five studies: two case reports, two cross-sectional studies and one retrospective cohort study. All studies evaluated the long-term effects of a using a nasal mask on the midface in children and adolescents; four showed midface hypoplasia and one no showed difference post- treatment compared to a control. Conclusion: Most of the studies demonstrated that long-term use of nasal positive airway pressure in childhood/adolescence is associated with midface hypoplasia.

Resumo Introdução: O tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono com pressão positiva nas vias aéreas em crianças é restrito devido a preocupações de que possa afetar o crescimento da maxila em longo prazo. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o impacto em longo prazo do uso de uma máscara de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas na face média em indivíduos em crescimento. Método: A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada em setembro de 2019 utilizando as palavras-chave (long-term OR side effects OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR mid-face OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND (airway pressure OR ventilation) nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science e Lilacs. A pesquisa incluiu artigos publicados em inglês, até setembro de 2019, sobre os efeitos da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas no crescimento médio-facial. Resultados: A estratégia de busca identificou cinco estudos: dois relatos de casos, dois estudos transversais e um estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Todos os estudos avaliaram os efeitos em longo prazo do uso de máscara nasal na face média em crianças e adolescentes; quatro apresentaram hipoplasia da face média e um paciente não mostrou diferença após o tratamento em comparação com um controle. Conclusão: A maioria dos estudos demonstrou que o uso prolongado da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas nasal na infância/adolescência está associado à hipoplasia da face média.

The impact of positive airway pressure on midface growth: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure in children is restricted due to concerns that it could affect maxilla growth over time. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a systematic review of the literature about the long-term impact of using a positive airway pressure mask on the midface in growing individuals. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in September 2019 using the keywords ("long-term" OR "long term" OR "side effects" OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR "mid-face" OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND ("airway pressure" OR ventilation) in the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs. The search included papers published in English, until September 2019, on the effects of positive airway pressure on midfacial growth. RESULTS: The search strategy identified five studies: two case reports, two cross-sectional studies and one retrospective cohort study. All studies evaluated the long-term effects of a using a nasal mask on the midface in children and adolescents; four showed midface hypoplasia and one no showed difference post- treatment compared to a control. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies demonstrated that long-term use of nasal positive airway pressure in childhood/adolescence is associated with midface hypoplasia.

Cone beam computed tomography in assessment on pharynx effects of orthopedic-surgical treatment - a review of the literature.

The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image provides clear differentiation of soft tissues from empty spaces. This paper presents a literature review to evaluate the effects of orthopedic and surgical treatment on the pharyngeal dimension by CBCT. It was concluded that treatments involving dentofacial orthopedics and orthognathic surgery have been related with an increase in the upper airway volume. Standardized capturing of tomographic images and more controlled and randomized studies are necessary.

Treatment of class II malocclusion and unerupted upper canines with self-ligating appliance.

Treatments without tooth extractions have become more popular over the last two decades. In this context, expansion of the maxillary arch is an interesting treatment option for cases in which space is required and other factors not favoring extractions (such as the facial profile) are present. According to several authors, this posterior expansion can be obtained using a system comprising self-ligating brackets and superelastic nickel-titanium arches. The present article aims to report a case of a young patient with Class II, Division 2 malocclusion, with impacted upper canines and significant arch length-tooth discrepancy. METHODS: The case was treated by means of a passive self-ligating appliance in association with Class II elastics and coil spring for distalizing the molars. This treatment alternative was effective for correcting Class II and obtaining space to correct tooth positioning.