Characterization of craniofacial-based clinical phenotypes in children with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea

This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of phenotypes among children with OSA based on soft tissue facial features and craniofacial abnormalities indicating orthodontic treatment need. After performing 4 sequential cluster analyses, we found that soft tissue facial features and craniofacial abnormality variables may represent a reasonable option to distinguish independent subgroups. We identified 3 subgroups in the sample with similar sleep features but different age ranges, z-BMI, and craniofacial features. Older children without obesity and with a moderate severity of obstructive sleep events showed distinct craniofacial features and soft tissue facial features dimensions, including mild arched palate, higher upper facial height, and higher mandible dimensions. In addition, different craniofacial abnormalities (excessive lower facial height and midface deficiency) and obesity were observed among children from the same age range and sleep features. These results suggest that age, specific craniofacial abnormalities, and obesity must be considered when identifying phenotypes of OSA.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.5664/jcsm.10694