Anthropometric and cephalometric analysis of obstructive sleep apnea (osa) patients and healthy controls

Objective: This study aimed to compare the cephalometric and anthropometric characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with those of healthy subjects and to determine possible relationships between cephalometric and anthropometric measurements of OSA patients and control subjects. Methods: Standardized lateral cephalograms of 10 OSA patients and 10 healthy controls were obtained. Airway dimensions and dentofacial parameters were measured using a cephalometric analysis program .Anthropometric assessment was done in all of them. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17.0.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all measurements, and the Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate intergroup differences. Results: Midface length was shorter in the OSA group than in the controls (P<.05). SNA, SNB angles were similar in both groups. The axial inclination of the lower incisor to its respective plane was normal, and the upper incisor was not significantly protrusive in the OSA group. Distance between the hyoid and mandible was significantly greater in the OSA group than in the controls, indicating that the hyoid bone was positioned more downward in the OSA group (P<.05).soft palate length was significantly longer and posterior airway space was significantly reduced in OSA group. Anthropometric analysis revealed significantly high mallampatti score>3, high waist hip ratio, neck circumference, reduced lateral neck length and high BMI in OSA group. Conclusions: In this study, the patients with OSA demonstrated significant differences in several craniofacial measurements and anthropometric analysis. OSA patients showed reduced posterior airway space, increased soft palate length and inferiorly placed hyoid bone and Mallampatti score>3,increased waist hip ratio, neck circumference, neck to height ratio, reduced lateral neck length and high BMI.