title: A case report on the efficacy of transverse expansion in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The recognition of the role of craniofacial abnormalities in the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) has led to several treatment strategies to correct or improve craniofacial structures. We report a case of severe OSAS [Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) = 80] in which an increase in the transverse dimensions by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion and mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis dramatically decreased the OSAS index.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Polysomnographic examen 6 months after surgery noticed normalization of the somnographic parameters (AHI = 9). This case report indicates that maxillomandibular transverse expansion can be a useful surgical procedure for treating severe OSAS with transverse deficiency. The results reported in the present case report are encouraging and emphasize the need for further critical evaluations of this potential new approach for the treatment of OSAS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulio Alessandri
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bonetti
authors.forename: Ottavio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Piccin
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lancellotti
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000379:methods*; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D017286:Polysomnography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome