Assessment of Craniofacial Growth Pattern Relative to Respiratory Mandibular Movement and Sleep Characteristics: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores how jaw movement during sleep relates to craniofacial growth patterns and sleep apnea in children.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach using wireless sensors and machine learning to analyze mandibular movement in relation to sleep apnea and skeletal patterns.

Findings

No significant difference in mandibular movement variables between class I, II, and III skeletal patterns.

OSA subjects showed higher amplitude of dominant frequency in mandibular movement compared to non-OSA subjects.

Class I OSA subjects had a higher median mandibular movement value than non-OSA class I subjects.

Abstract

Objectives
 The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of sagittal skeletal pattern on mandibular movement (MM) during sleep in growing orthodontic populations. The secondary objective was to compare MM according to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) status.

Materials and Methods
 This cross-sectional study included subjects between 6 and 17 years old, presenting with class I, II, and III skeletal patterns and no previous history of orthodontic treatment. A wireless sensor connected to the patient's chin before bedtime and removed the next day was used to record MM signals. The signals were analyzed using a machine learning algorithm to measure sleep and MM outcomes. MM variables included percentage change in waveform prominence (%), variance in peak prominence, mean prominence values, length of events (seconds), respiratory rate per minute, dominant frequency, and amplitude of dominant frequency. The obstructive respiratory disturbance index determined from the sensor was used to confirm OSA status.

Results
 There was no statistically significant difference in MM variables between class I, II, and III subjects. When compared according to OSA status, the amplitude of dominant frequency was significantly higher in the OSA than the non-OSA group (
p
 = 0.005). When evaluated according to both skeletal classification and OSA status, the class I OSA subjects showed a higher median value than the non-OSA class I group (
p
 = 0.016).

Conclusion
 Within the limits of this study, the sagittal skeletal pattern had no effect on the respiratory MM. This study did not find a correlation between craniofacial pattern and MM and OSA.

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