Craniofacial Morphology in Children With Obesity or Down Syndrome With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is common in children. Risk factors include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, and craniofacial abnormalities (e.g. Down Syndrome, DS). The aim was to describe the craniofacial morphology in children with suspected OSA referred for polysomnography (PSG) in 2 cohorts: DS and obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of children with DS or obesity referred for PSG at SickKids, Toronto. Orthodontic examinations, PSG, lateral cephalograms, and sleep questionnaires were completed. Results: 42 children (20 DS, 22 obese) aged 5-18 (11.9 +3.6) were included. DS with OSA (Obstructive-Apnea-Hypopnea-Index (OAHI) >1) had increased palatal depth (p=0.04); OAHI was correlated with intercanine distance (r=0.48, p=0.03). ANB angle was increased in Obesity with OSA (p=0.03); OAHI was correlated with ANB (r=0.58, pM.Sc