Abstract

OSAS in the Pediatric Patients: the Role of the Orthodontist

by Gracco Antonio Luigi

Sleep disorders in developmental age represent a significant problem both for the psycho-physical development of young patients and for society as a whole, with important economic and managerial implications. The orthodontist may daily examine and diagnose dozens of patients in developmental age who present structural alterations of the maxillofacial complex, as well as anatomical or functional issues of the upper airways and cognitive-behavioral disturbances. All these aspects often intertwine, resulting in severe clinical pictures that require careful multidisciplinary management. This presentation will explain the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pediatric OSAS patients, with particular attention to patients with special needs. The orthodontist must be familiar with the main pediatric OSAS questionnaires, understand which instrumental exams are necessary, and know how to interpret them. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, it is essential to rationally assess which therapeutic tools are most suitable for OSAS treatment.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to learn wich are the pediatric questionnaire for OSAS pediatric patients
After this lecture, you will be able to evaluate wich are the technical instrumental examinations to identify osas patient
After this lecture, you will be able to define the most suitable therapeutic option for the patients

OSAS in the Pediatric Patients: the Role of the Orthodontist

by Segù Marzia

The Role of the Orthodontist in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients. Pediatric OSA is characterized by intermittent complete or partial obstruction (obstructive apnea or hypopnea); prolonged partial upper airway obstruction; or both prolonged and intermittent obstructions that disrupt normal ventilation during sleep, normal sleep patterns, or both. The prevalence in children has been estimated at 1% to 4%, from 1.1% in pre-school age to 4% in school-age but the prevalence may currently be higher due to the pediatric obesity epidemic. The prevalence of positive risk was found to be significantly higher in the general pediatric orthodontic population than in a healthy pediatric population (5%). OSAS prevalence has 2 peak periods: The first peak occurs in children from 2 to 8 years of age, with the presence of enlarged adenoid and/or tonsils. The orthodontists have an important role in identifying the risk factors (eg, high narrow hard palate, overlapping incisors, crossbite).

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to identify risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in children
After this lecture, you will be able to know the main signs and symptoms
After this lecture, you will be able to use the main diagnostic questionnaires