Rapid maxillary expansion in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: 12-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcome of rapid maxillary expansion in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children, we studied 16 patients (mean age 6.6+/-2.0; 9 males) with dental malocclusion, a body mass index < or =85 percentile, and OSAS confirmed by polysomnography.

METHODS

At baseline and after the trial, all patients underwent physical examination, standard polysomnography and orthodontic assessment. The Brouillette questionnaire investigating symptoms of OSA was administered to parents before and during the trial to assess the clinical severity of their sleep-disordered breathing. Two treated patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from the final study.

RESULTS

In the 14 treated subjects who completed the study and follow-up, polysomnography showed a significant decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (p=0.005), hypopnea obstructive index (p=0.002) and arousal index (p=0.001). Questionnaire responses before and after treatment showed a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

A rapid maxillary expander is an effective appliance for treating children with OSAS.