A case report on the efficacy of transverse expansion in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
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.
Bonetti
Giulio Alessandri
GA
Department of Dental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Piccin
Ottavio
O
Lancellotti
Lorenzo
L
Bianchi
Alberto
A
Marchetti
Claudio
C
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