Skeletal expansion combined with soft-tissue reduction in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children: physiologic results

A systematic review on the outcome of distraction osteogenesis in TMJ ankylosis

Introduction

TMJ ankylosis (TMJa) management by arthroplasty alone fails to address the deformity and the compromised airway. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) can offer a pragmatic solution to TMJa. The aim of the study was to generate evidence towards the role of DO in TMJa, evaluate its efficiency and develop an algorithm for use of DO in TMJa.

Material and methods

The research question was formulated using the PICOS statement for reporting guidelines in systematic reviews, where the efficiency of DO was evaluated in terms of mouth opening, correction of facial deformity and asymmetry, airway correction, and its long term effects.

Results

1130 articles reported DO as a treatment modality for TMJ ankylosis, of which 32 prospective studies, 16 retrospective and 2 RCTs were included in the study. DO was used for mandibular distraction in 45 studies and for simultaneous maxillamandibular distraction in only five studies. An algorithm for use of DO in TMJa was developed.

Conclusion

Although DO has proven its application in TMJ ankylosis cases, its best use is for correction of obstructive sleep apnoea. Relapse causing loss of posterior ramal height is a concern after transport DO. Prearthroplastic DO appears to best correct mandibular deformity. A maxillomandibular deformity requires simultaneous maxillomandibular distraction. However, a metanalysis is still awaited for effectiveness of DO in TMJ ankylosis.

Surgical correction of dentofacial deformities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic literature review

The aim of this study was to assess current evidence for the surgical correction of dentofacial deformities in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). A systematic literature review, according to the PRISMA guidelines, was conducted. Meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies, and case reports were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were no JIA diagnosis, no clearly defined outcomes, dual publications (except meta-analyses), non peer-reviewed studies, non English language publications, and animal studies. The outcome measures assessed were TMJ function, skeletal alignment, and morbidity. The database search identified 255 citations, of which 28 met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 24 were case reports or case series with a low level of evidence that did not allow for meta-analysis. Extrapolated evidence supports orthognathic surgery in skeletally mature patients with controlled or quiescent JIA and a stable dentofacial deformity. Distraction osteogenesis was recommended for severe deformities. Some authors demonstrated unpredictable postoperative mandibular growth with costochondral grafts. Alloplastic TMJ reconstruction was efficacious, but should be used cautiously in skeletally immature patients. TMJ function and skeletal alignment was improved with reconstruction by any technique and morbidity was low. The surgical correction of arthritis-induced dentofacial deformities is indicated but the level of evidence is low. Prospective multicenter studies are needed.

Comparison between Subjective Scoring and Computer-Based Asymmetry Assessment in Facial Nerve Palsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a PC-based facial asymmetry assessment program (PC-FAAP) and to compare the results of PC-FAAP with subjective regional scoring by raters in acute unilateral peripheral facial nerve paralysis (FNP). Subjects and.

METHODS

Participants were divided into 3 groups with 8 participants per group: group I, normal; group II, mild to moderate FNP; and group III, severe FNP. Using the PC-FAAP, the mouth asymmetry ratio (MAR), eyebrow asymmetry ratio (EAR), and complete eye closure asymmetry ratio (CAR) were calculated by comparing the movement of tracking points on both sides. The FNP grading scale (FGS) integrated each score, and the scores were weighted with a ratio of 5:3:2 (MAR:CAR:EAR). Subjective regional scoring was measured on a 0-100 scale score by three otologists. PC-FAAP and subjective scoring were compared in each group regarding the consistency of the results.

RESULTS

The mean scores of the MAR, EAR, CAR, and FGS of each group were significantly different. PC-FAAP showed significant differences between the three groups in terms of MAR, EAC, CAR, and FGS. PC-FAAP showed more consistent results than subjective assessment (p<0.001). The PC-FAAP was significantly more consistent in group I and group III (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). FGS in group III was the only parameter that showed a more consistent result in PC-FAAP than the subjective scoring (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

An FNP grading system using a PC-based program may provide more consistent results, especially for severe forms.

Controlling the vector of distraction osteogenesis in the management of obstructive sleep apnea

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals with craniofacial anomalies can compromise airway and is a serious life-threatening condition. In many cases, tracheostomy is carried out as the treatment of choice. Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible as a treatment modality for OSA is very useful and may spare the need for tracheostomy or allow decannulation, yet controlling the vector of distraction is still a major challenge. We present a method for controlling the vector of distraction.

Materials and Methods:

Eight patients with severe respiratory distress secondary to a micrognathic mandible were treated by mandibular distraction osteogenesis using either external or internal devices. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and orthodontic elastics were used to control the vector of distraction. Cephalometric X-rays, computed tomography, and polysomnographic sleep studies were used to analyze the results.

Results:

A mean distraction of 22 mm using the internal devices and a mean of 30 mm using the external devices were achieved. Increase in the pharyngeal airway and hyoid bone advancement was also observed. Anterior-posterior advancement of the mandible was noted with no clockwise rotation. Most importantly, clinical improvement in symptoms of OSA, respiratory distress, and feeding was noted.

Conclusions:

We describe a method for controlling the vector of distraction used as a treatment for OSA. In these cases, TADs were used as an anchorage unit to control the vector of distraction. Our results show excellent clinical and radiographical results. TADs are a simple and nonexpensive method to control the vector of distraction.

Distraction osteogenesis as a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

To conduct a systematic review to answer the clinical question "What are the effectiveness of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and its complications to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)?".

METHODS

A systematic search including a computer search with specific keywords, reference list search, and manual search were done. Relevant articles on MDO were assessed and selected in 3 rounds for final review based on 5 predefined inclusion criteria and followed by a round of critical appraisal. Different types of distraction and their treatment outcomes of OSAS were recorded with standardized form and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were included in the final review. A total of 256 patients aged 7 days to 60 years were treated with either external or internal MDO, with a mean follow-up period of 6 to 37 months. The average distraction distance of 12 to 29 mm was achieved with various distraction protocols. The success rate for adult patients was 100%, and cure rates were ranged from 82% to 100%. The definition of success or cure for OSAS in children or infants was not defined. Therefore, there were no clearly reported success or cure rates for children/infants in the included studies. However, all studies reported that these patients showed significant improvement in OSAS, with many of them who avoided tracheostomy or had the tracheostomy decannulated. The complication rates were ranged from 0% to 21.4%, with most being from local wound infections or neurosensory disturbances.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review showed that MDO was effective in resolving OSAS in adults with retrognathic mandible. MDO also showed promising results in infants or children with OSAS. From the results of this systematic review, we recommend to define the criteria of success or cure for OSAS surgery in children and infants. We also recommend setting up randomized controlled trials to compare MDO with traditional maxillomandibular advancement surgery for OSAS patients and to provide a better evidence on the success and complication rates of the techniques.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of neonatal tongue-based airway obstruction

Early postnatal tracheostomy for airway compromise is associated with high morbidity and cost. In certain patients with tongue-base airway obstruction (TBAO), mandibular distraction osteogenesis may be preferred. We present a comprehensive analysis of surgical, airway, and cephalometric outcomes in a large series of neonatal patients with TBAO. A retrospective review was performed of patients with laryngoscopically proven TBAO who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis before 1 year of age at our institution. Demographic, operative, postoperative, polysomnographic, and radiographic data were analyzed with the appropriate statistical test. Between 2010 and 2013, 28 patients younger than 1 year underwent mandibular distraction for TBAO. Distraction was performed for documented TBAO and failure to thrive at an average age of 58 days (range, 11-312) days with distractor removal after an average of 90 days. Preoperative polysomnograms were obtained on 20 patients with an average apnea-hypopnea index of 39.3 ± 22.0/h; the apnea-hypopnea index on postoperative polysomnograms obtained after distraction completion was significantly reduced in all 14 patients in whom it was measured (mean, 3.0 ± 1.5/h; P < 0.0001). Twenty patients transitioned to oral feeding, and cephalometric and airway diameters were improved (P < 0.0001). Distraction was successful in all but 4 patients including all patients with GILLS scores of 2 or less and 66% of patients with GILLS scores of 3 or greater. Neonatal mandibular distraction is a powerful tool to treat critical obstructive apnea in patients with TBAO. Appropriate patient selection remains a challenge; however, mandibular distraction represents a compelling treatment modality.

A systematic review of the oral and craniofacial manifestations of cri du chat syndrome

Cri du chat syndrome is an autosomal disorder. Because it affects few people in the population it is considered a rare disease, yet it is one of the most common autosomal chromosomal syndromes in humans. It entails pathognomonic alterations that affect the craniofacial and oral anatomy of patients. The aim of this study is to review these craniofacial and oral abnormalities in patients with Cri du chat syndrome. The PubMed Medline database was searched using two different strategies. First, we used "Dentistry" and "Cri du chat" as keywords; second, we used "Cri du chat" and "craniofacial." Seven articles in which the main orofacial and cranio-skeletal characteristics of patients with Cri du chat syndrome were described were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cri du Chat syndrome entails pathognomonic characteristics in the craniofacial area (epicanthus, short philtrum, and wide nasal bridge), the oral area (mandibular retrognathism and anterior open bite) and the cranial region (alterations at the cranial base angle and a small upper airway). However, more studies on larger samples are needed to specify the orofacial and craniofacial characteristics of patients with Cri du chat syndrome more accurately. Clin. Anat. 29:555-560, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Obstructive sleep disordered breathing in 2- to 18-year-old children: diagnosis and management

This document summarises the conclusions of a European Respiratory Society Task Force on the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in childhood and refers to children aged 2-18 years. Prospective cohort studies describing the natural history of SDB or randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials regarding its management are scarce. Selected evidence (362 articles) can be consolidated into seven management steps. SDB is suspected when symptoms or abnormalities related to upper airway obstruction are present (step 1). Central nervous or cardiovascular system morbidity, growth failure or enuresis and predictors of SDB persistence in the long-term are recognised (steps 2 and 3), and SDB severity is determined objectively preferably using polysomnography (step 4). Children with an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) >5 episodes·h(-1), those with an AHI of 1-5 episodes·h(-1) and the presence of morbidity or factors predicting SDB persistence, and children with complex conditions (e.g. Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome) all appear to benefit from treatment (step 5). Treatment interventions are usually implemented in a stepwise fashion addressing all abnormalities that predispose to SDB (step 6) with re-evaluation after each intervention to detect residual disease and to determine the need for additional treatment (step 7).

The role of distraction osteogenesis in the management of craniofacial syndromes

In patients with craniofacial syndromes, the skeletal discrepancy is often severe, and the ability to achieve the desired movement by immediate surgical repositioning is difficult because of restrictions of the soft-tissue envelope. The technique of distraction osteogenesis has provided an additional option for managing congenital and acquired craniofacial deformities. The use of distraction osteogenesis is, however, still within its infancy as a treatment modality. It is unlikely that the procedure will obviate the need for definitive orthognathic surgery at skeletal maturity in most patients with craniofacial anomalies. The role of distraction osteogenesis in craniofacial surgery will continue to evolve rapidly with increasing experience and technological advancement. Because distraction osteogenesis in the facial skeleton is a relatively new approach, analysis of the contemporary literature is imperative, and future long-term studies on the effects and outcome of distraction are essential.

Death, nasomaxillary complex, and sleep in young children

This is an investigation of anatomical and sleep history risk factors that were associated with abrupt sleep-associated death in seven children with good pre-mortem history. Seven young children with abrupt deaths and information on health status, sleep history, death scene report, and autopsy performed in a specialized unit dedicated to investigation of abrupt death in young children were investigated Seven age and gender matched living children with obstructive-sleep-apnea (OSA) were compared to the findings obtained from the dead children. Two deaths results from accidents determined by the death scene and five were unexplained at the death scene. History revealed presence of chronic indicators of abnormal sleep in all cases prior death and history of an acute, often mild, rhinitis just preceding death in several. Four children, including three infants, were usually sleeping in a prone position. Autopsy demonstrated variable enlargement of upper airway soft tissues in all cases, and in all cases, there were features consistent with a narrow, small nasomaxillary complex, with or without mandibular retroposition. All children were concluded to have died of hypoxia during sleep. Our OSA children presented similar complaints and similar facial features. Anatomic risk factors for a narrow upper airway can be determined early in life, and these traits are often familial. Their presence should lead to greater attention to sleep-related complaints that may be present very early in life and indicate impairment of well been and presence of sleep disruption. Further investigation should be performed to understand the role of upper airway infection in the setting of anatomically small airway in apparently abrupt death of infants and toddlers.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis: at what age to proceed

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if there is a difference in mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) treatment success rates and adverse outcomes in newborns, early infants, and older pediatric patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical review spanning a nine-year period. Ten newborn (≤ 35 days old), five early infant (36 days-5 months) and eight older pediatric (> 5 months) patients underwent MDO for treatment of micrognathia with a severe tongue-based obstruction. Success was defined as avoidance of tracheostomy or CPAP, and decannulation of patients with tracheotomies. Postoperative complications were grouped into minor and major.

RESULTS

MDO successfully treated 90% of newborns, 100% of early infants and 100% of older pediatric patients. There was no difference in the rates of success (p=0.48), minor (p=1.00) and major (p=1.00) postoperative complications between newborns and early infants. Older pediatric patients had no treatment failures, tended to have fewer minor (p=0.18) and significantly fewer major (p= 0.04) postoperative complications compared to younger patients. The distractor pin mobility (9%) and scar revisions (13%) were uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a reliable method for relieving severe tongue-based obstructions in pediatric patients. When comparing newborns and early infant patients, treatment success rates and the occurrence of complications were not found to be different. Older pediatric patients had no treatment failures, and tended to have fewer postoperative complications compared to younger patients.

The nasomaxillary complex, the mandible, and sleep-disordered breathing

PURPOSE

This study aims to use clinical scales in a standardized fashion in evaluating the frequency of a high and narrow hard palate and/or small and retroplaced mandible in children with polysomnographically demonstrated sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of clinical and polysomnographic data from children (2-17 years old) with SDB. Exclusion criteria were obesity, presence of a syndromic disorder, and incomplete chart information. Data on demographics, reason for referral, sleep history, Mallampati scale, size of the tonsils (Friedman scale), bite occlusion (dental positioning), and correlating clinical presentation and comparative physical exam of nasomaxillary and mandibular features (using subjective grading scales) were collected, as were results of pre- and post- treatment polysomnography.

RESULTS

Data from 400 children were analyzed. With increasing age, fewer referrals were made for abnormal breathing during sleep and more were made for daytime impairment and generally poor sleep. There were 290 children (72.6%) who had tonsils graded 3+ or 4+, but 373 (93.3%) had craniofacial features considered to be risk factors for SDB, including small mandible and/or high and narrow hard palate associated with a narrow nasomaxillary complex. Mean pretreatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 14.6 ± 17.1 and AHI was similar in the three age groups. Initial treatment was adenotonsillectomy. Follow-up was obtained in 378 subjects, and 167 cases demonstrated residual AHI. Incomplete response to adenotonsillectomy was seen more often in children with Mallampati scale scores of 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Non-obese children with SDB had different initial clinical complaints based on age. Independently of age, facial anatomic structures limiting nasal breathing and those considered to be risk factors for SDB were commonly seen in the total group. Clinical assessment of craniofacial features considered as risk factors for SDB and more particularly a Mallampati scale score of 3 or 4 can be useful in identifying children who may be more at risk for limited response to adenotonsillectomy, suggesting a subsequent need for post-surgery polysomnography.

Pediatric sleep apnea and craniofacial anomalies: a population-based case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between craniofacial anomalies and diagnosis with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a large, population-based sample of children.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Cases of OSA (n = 1,203) were identified by International Classification of Diseases-9 codes consistent with OSA in the 1987-2003 Washington State inpatient discharge database among children ≤18 years of age and born in Washington state. For each case, five controls without OSA (n = 6,015) were randomly selected from the remaining Washington State births, frequency matched by birth year. Congenital anomaly diagnoses and covariates were extracted from discharge data for all inpatient hospitalizations during the study period and linked birth certificate data. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between congenital anomalies (including subgroups) and OSA.

RESULTS

An OSA diagnosis was strongly associated with the presence of any craniofacial anomaly (adjusted OR 38, 95%CI [24, 60]) and, in particular, with orofacial cleft (adjusted OR 40, 95%CI [17, 94]) and Down syndrome (adjusted OR 51, 95%CI [20, 128]). OSA was less associated with any noncraniofacial malformation (adjusted OR 4.1, 95%CI [3.1, 5.3]), which may reflect the relatively small effect of inpatient exposure bias in the associations above.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of congenital craniofacial anomalies is strongly associated with inpatient diagnosis of OSA. These findings persist even after control of major potential biases. Parents and clinicians should consider screening for OSA among children with craniofacial anomalies.

Surgical options for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by repetitive airway obstruction during sleep with associated increased morbidity and mortality. Although CPAP is the preferred treatment, poor compliance is common. Patients intolerant of conventional OSA medical treatment may benefit from surgical therapy to alleviate pharyngeal obstruction. Case series suggest that maxillomandibular advancement has the highest surgical efficacy (86%) and cure rate (43%). Soft palate surgical techniques are less successful, with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty having an OSA surgical success rate of 50% and cure rate of 16%. Further research is needed to more thoroughly assess clinical outcomes (eg, quality of life, morbidity), better identify key preoperative patient and clinical characteristics that predict success, and confirm long-term effectiveness of surgical modalities to treat OSA.

Genioplasty Distraction Osteogenesis and Hyoid Advancement for Correction of Upper Airway Obstruction in Patients with Treacher Collins and Nager Syndromes

BACKGROUND

Treacher Collins and Nager syndromes may present with mandibular hypoplasia that causes posterior collapse of the tongue base and a decreased oropharyngeal airway. Mandibular distraction and orthognathic advancement are effective treatments to correct the airway, but failure may occur despite achieving class I occlusion. For this select population, the authors propose a novel procedure of genioplasty distraction and hyoid advancement to optimize epiglottal positioning.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with Treacher Collins (n = 5) or Nager syndrome (n = 3) with obstructive sleep apnea or tracheostomy dependency (n = 8) underwent genioplasty distraction and hyoid advancement. Airway outcome was assessed by preoperative and 1-year follow-up comparison of (1) laryngobronchoscopy, (2) sleep studies, and (3) tracheostomy dependency. For genioplasty outcome, three groups were used: group I (distraction genioplasty, syndromic) (n = 8), group II (acute genioplasty, syndromic) (n = 7), and group III (acute genioplasty, nonsyndromic) (n = 10). Lateral cephalogram measurements were used in the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up periods to assess horizontal and vertical advancement and relapse.

RESULTS

Epiglottal position was optimized by the procedure in all patients based on direct endoscopic assessment. All five patients with obstructive sleep apnea had resolution of symptoms, and two of three patients achieved removal of their tracheostomy. Mean advancement for groups I, II, and III was 25, 14, and 8 mm, respectively. Follow-up horizontal advancement for groups I, II, and III were 18, 4, and 6 mm, respectively. Cephalometric measurements showed a horizontal relapse for groups I, II, and III of 10, 62, and 11 percent, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest that genioplasty distraction allows for a greater advancement and decreased relapse rate than acute procedures alone; and genioplasty distraction with hyoid advancement is a useful technique for resolution of obstructive sleep apnea or to achieve tracheostomy removal in those syndromic patients who have already undergone mandibular advancement into a class I occlusion.

Mandibular advancement by distraction osteogenesis for tracheostomy-dependent children with severe micrognathia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis (DO) to achieve decannulation of micrognathic children with "permanent" tracheostomies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a retrospective chart review, patients were included who had 1 ) airway compromise/tracheostomy, 2 ) micrognathia, 3 ) polysomnography-documented obstructive apnea, and 4 ) mandibular advancement using DO. Excluded were 1 ) adults, 2 ) neonates without tracheostomy, and 3 ) patients with central apnea. Patient age, past medical history, age at tracheostomy, and distraction protocol were documented. Oxygen saturation, posterior airway space (in millimeters), and sella-nasion-B point (SNB) angle were recorded. The distraction protocol consisted of a latency of 48 hours and a rate of 1 mm/day.

RESULTS

There were 5 children, aged 2 to 14 years, who received a tracheostomy between ages 2 and 36 months for airway obstruction. All patients underwent bilateral mandibular distraction using semiburied, unidirectional devices. The average latency was 58 hours, the rate was 1 mm/day, the duration of fixation was 40 to 60 days, and the magnitude of advancement was 23 mm. Healing was evaluated by clinical, radiologic, and ultrasound examinations. No complications were experienced. Mean follow-up was 3.2 years. Postdistraction sleep studies demonstrated no obstructive apneic events and a mean oxygen saturation of 98% (preoperative, 76%, P < .005). Cephalometric values improved: posterior airway space 4 to 14 mm; SNB 66 degrees to 72 degrees ( P < .005 for both variables). Four of the 5 patients have been successfully decannulated to date.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this preliminary study indicate that mandibular advancement by DO is a potentially viable treatment option for tracheostomy-dependent children with upper airway obstruction secondary to micrognathia.

Sleep . 8: paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea

In the past 25 years there has been increasing recognition of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) as a common condition of childhood. Morbidity includes impairment of growth, cardiovascular complications, learning impairment, and behavioural problems. Diagnosis and treatment of this condition in children differs in many respects from that in adults. We review here the key features of paediatric OSA, highlighting differences from adult OSA, and suggest future directions for research.

Sleep disordered breathing: surgical outcomes in prepubertal children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the treatment outcomes of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in prepubertal children 3 months following surgical intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective investigation of 400 consecutively seen children with SDB who were referred to otolaryngologists for treatment.

METHOD

After masking the identities and conditions of the children, the following were tabulated: clinical symptoms, results of clinical evaluation and polysomnography at entry, the treatment chosen by the otolaryngologists, and clinical and polysomnographic results 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Treatment ranged from nasal steroids to various surgical procedures. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in only 251 of 400 cases (68%). Four cases included adenotonsillectomy in conjunction with pharyngoplasty (closure of the tonsillar wound by suturing the anterior and posterior pillar to tighten the airway). Persistent SDB was seen in 58 of 400 children (14.5%), and an additional 8 had persistent snoring. Best results were with adenotonsillectomy.

CONCLUSION

SDB involves obstruction of the upper airway, which may be partially due to craniofacial structure involvement. The goal of surgical treatment should be aimed at enlarging the airway, and not be solely focused on treating inflammation or infection of the lymphoid tissues. This goal may not be met in some patients, thus potentially contributing to residual problems seen after surgery. The possibility of further treatment, including collaboration with orthodontists to improve the craniofacial risk factors, should be considered in children with residual problems.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are a frequent problem not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents, as can be seen from current epidemiological data. The epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in adults have been adequately established on the basis of evidential data. As a result of this, both physicians and the public are increasingly aware of OSAS in adults. Although there are numerous parallels between pediatric and adult OSAS, the situation in children differs that in adults. There is a greater variety of symptoms in children with OSAS, diagnosis is often more difficult with serious consequences for growth and development of children. Treatment of OSAS in children is also different from that of the adult patient. There are many possible causes for the development of obstructive sleep apnea in children. These include hypertrophy of the tonsils and syndromes such as Down syndrome, Pickwickian syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome or Marfan syndrome. OSAS can, however, also be the result of obesity, midfacial dysplasia, retro- or micrognathia, allergic rhinitis or muscular dystrophy. Epidemiological data presented in the literature concerning the incidence of OSAS in children is extremely varied. This wide range is probably due to the fact that snoring may be misdiagnosed as OSAS. The diagnosis of OSAS in children may only be made by considering clinical history (such as rate of growth, tendency to fall asleep during the day, sleep disturbances, susceptibility to infection, etc.), polysomnography (if possible during several nights) and accompanying instrumental diagnosis including cephalometry or laryngoscopy. One of the problems of polysomnography in childhood is that performance and interpretation of the results have not yet been standardized or evaluated for different age groups. Treatment depends on the cause of OSAS and require multidisciplinary management involving the pediatrician, pediatric or adolescent psychiatrist, ear, nose, and throat specialist, maxillofacial surgeons, and neurosurgeons. Adenotonsillectomy (ATE) is the therapy generally chosen if the child has adenoidal vegetations and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. Corrective surgery is possible for rare malformation syndromes. Nocturnal masks for continuous positive airway nasal pressure or procedures for mask respiration are effective in children, but are only used in exceptional cases, such as when ATE is contraindicated or when symptoms of OSAS remain after surgery. The success of pharmacological treatment of OSAS in children has not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials.

Treating pediatric patients with obstructive sleep disorders: an update

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children continues to be an important subject for otolaryngologists because of the high prevalence of the disease. The evaluation of a child with OSAS remains controversial, although there is little controversy that T&A is the optimal treatment for these children. The search for the optimal T&A technique is ongoing, although now either "cold" tonsillectomy or "hot" tonsillectomy is standard. Quality-of-life studies confirm the significant benefit gained after a child undergoes a T&A.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children: do we really know how?

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent, albeit underdiagnosed problem in children. If left untreated, OSAS may lead to substantial morbidities affecting multiple target organs and systems. The immediate consequences of OSAS in children include behavioral disturbance and learning deficits, pulmonary hypertension, as well as compromised somatic growth. However, if not treated promptly and early in the course of the disease, OSAS may also impose long-term adverse effects on neurocognitive and cardiovascular function, thereby providing a strong rationale for effective treatment of this condition. This review provides a detailed description of the current treatment modalities for pediatric OSAS, and uncovers the potential limitations of the available data on these issues. Furthermore, we postulate that OSAS will persist relatively often after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and that critical studies need to be conducted to identify such patients and refine the clinical management algorithm for pediatric OSAS.

Surgical strategies in the treatment of complex obstructive sleep apnoea in children

Complex OSA in children is a challenging problem that requires careful team management. Evaluation includes history, physical examination and appropriate radiological and endoscopic studies. Twelve-channel polysomnography, with or without a pH probe, is mandatory in children with OSA to determine the severity and to document the efficacy of treatment. A variety of individual problems and nuances arise and will continue to do so. Clinical experience and a high degree of suspicion in the craniofacial population is necessary to rule out the existence of OSA in a given patient. Newer treatment modalities, such as distraction osteogenesis of the mandible and midface, have revolutionised treatment of OSA during childhood. Although still the gold standard of care, tracheostomy is not a benign procedure and the toll on both the patient and family can be devastating.

Distraction osteogenesis in adult obstructive sleep apnea surgery: a preliminary report

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the potential application of distraction osteogenesis (DO) for skeletal expansion in the management of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five consecutive adult patients (3 male, 2 female) underwent a DO procedure with intraoral distraction devices for the management of OSAS. The surgical procedures were mandibular advancement (n = 4, with 3 bilateral advancement and 1 unilateral advancement) and simultaneous maxillomandibular advancement (n = 1). Starting 7 days after surgery, the distraction devices were activated 4 times daily at a rate of 1.0 mm/d until the desired skeletal expansion was achieved. All of the patients underwent pre- and postoperative radiographic analysis and polysomnography. The distraction devices were removed 3 months after the completion of the distraction process.

RESULTS

The amount of skeletal advancement by distraction ranged from 5.5 to 12.5 mm, with the mean distance being 8.1 mm. The postoperative polysomnographic results showed improvement of OSAS in all 5 patients with an improvement of the mean RDI from 49.3 events per hour to 6.6 events per hour. The lowest oxygen saturation improved from 79.8% to 85.8%. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. Complications included localized inflammation at the distraction device site (n = 2), temporary temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort during distraction process (n = 1), and temporary paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve distribution (n = 2). A moderate amount of pain during the activation of the distraction devices was reported (n = 3) and was adequately treated with analgesics. None of the complications led to permanent problems.

CONCLUSION

This limited case series shows that DO is applicable in selected adult patients for skeletal advancement in the treatment of OSAS. However, there are disadvantages with the use of DO, and further investigations are necessary to determine the potential of this technique.

Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible for airway obstruction in children

OBJECTIVES

Objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis of the mandible to relieve airway obstruction in children with tongue-base airway obstruction and to describe the new surgical techniques developed for use in infants and young children.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized study.

METHODS

Analysis of 11 children with severe airway obstruction secondary to tongue-base obstruction was performed. Patients were between 2 weeks and 5.5 years of age. All patients underwent distraction osteogenesis of the mandible.

RESULTS

Twelve distraction procedures in the 11 children in the study were accomplished; decannulation or extubation was successful in all children.

CONCLUSION

Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible can be used to treat tongue-base airway obstruction in appropriately selected children.

Treacher Collins syndrome: current evaluation, treatment, and future directions

OBJECTIVE

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is an inherited disorder in which there are general bilateral symmetric anomalies of the structures within the first and second branchial arches. In general, there is complete penetrance and variable expressivity of the trait. The craniofacial rehabilitation of a child with TCS is tailored to the extent of the deformities involved: the orbitozygomatic region, the maxillomandibular region, the nose, facial soft tissues, and external and middle ear structures.

CONCLUSION

This article reviews the range of clinical features and specific dysmorphology observed in TCS. Functional and aesthetic objectives are discussed, and a comprehensive staged reconstructive approach is outlined, which may be used as a roadmap for treatment planning.

Treacher Collins Syndrome: Current Evaluation, Treatment, and Future Directions

Objective

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is an inherited disorder in which there are bilateral symmetric anomalies of the structures within the first and second branchial arches. In general, there is complete penetrance and variable expressivity of the trait. The craniofacial rehabilitation of a child with TCS is tailored to the extent of the deformities involved: the orbitozygomatic region, the maxillomandibular region, the nose, facial soft tissues, and external and middle ear structures.

Conclusion

This article reviews the range of clinical features and specific dysmorphology observed in TCS. Functional and aesthetic objectives are discussed, and a comprehensive staged reconstructive approach is outlined, which may be used as a roadmap for treatment planning.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea occurs in about 2% of children, and manifests as snoring, difficulty breathing, and witnessed apneic spells. Daytime symptoms include excessive sleepiness with poor performance and behavior problems. Severe forms may be associated with failure-to-thrive or death. The gold standard diagnostic procedure is overnight polysomnography and is indicated in high-risk patients. While most pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy; uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, tracheotomy, or other procedures are sometimes indicated. Nonsurgical treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is used in some children. Postoperative management in high-risk children includes careful perioperative monitoring and postoperative polysomnography.

Disordered breathing during sleep in newborns, infants, and children. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Although the polysomnographic findings of sleep-disordered breathing in children are similar to those in adults, the underlying causes will vary significantly from adults, depending on whether one is dealing with a newborn, infant, or child. How they react to the disease process is also at times different than seen in the adult and subsequent testing and treatment will also vary considerably. These differences and similarities are reviewed in this article.

Alternatives to tracheostomy in infants and children with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Since 1989, 70 children have been treated surgically with varying degrees of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Of these, 29 patients had completely failed conventional medical and surgical treatment and were considered tracheostomy (T) candidates, whereas five had previously undergone T for severe OSA as infants and did not respond to standard decannulation protocols. The preoperative diagnoses were cerebral palsy (n = 5), Down's syndrome (n = 5), hemifacial microsomia (n = 4), Pierre Robin sequence (n = 6), and a mixed group of craniofacial disorders (n = 14). The patients ranged in age from 2.5 weeks to > or =18 months (mean, 7.32 years). Preoperatively, four patients were on ventilators and one suffered a cardiac arrest, attesting to the severity of OSA.

METHODS

To enlarge the caliber of the airway, each patient underwent an aggressive surgical treatment protocol. All sites of upper airway obstruction were treated simultaneously by a combination of craniofacial skeletal expansion and soft-tissue reduction.

RESULTS

Tracheostomy was avoided in 90.4% of patients. Temporary or "permanent T" were required in three patients (9.6%). One patient with cerebral palsy had recurrent OSA and died. A second patient with severe laryngotracheomalacia and retrognathia who did not respond to apnea surgery underwent a tracheostomy and ultimately died of pulmonary causes. Four patients (7.8%) required supplemental home oxygen or continuous positive airway pressure. The average preoperative respiratory disturbance index, defined as the average number of apneic and hypopneic events per hour of sleep, dropped from 25.9 to 4.4 after surgery. The average lowest recorded oxygen saturation during overnight polysomnography rose from 61% to 92% after surgery. Of the five patients with permanent T, four had thus far been decannulated. Complications occurred in 10 patients, 50% of which were related to minor problems with mandibular distraction devices.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm the efficacy of an aggressive surgical approach to the treatment of OSA in children, avoiding the necessity for tracheostomy or permitting decannulation of permanent T in the majority of cases.