title: Multimodal airway evaluation in growing patients after rapid maxillary expansion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the airway volume of growing patients combining a morphological approach using cone beam computed tomography associated with functional data obtained by polysomnography examination after rapid maxillary expansion treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  22 Caucasian patients (mean age 8.3±0.9 years) undergoing rapid maxillary expansion with Haas type expander banded on second deciduous upper molars were enrolled for this prospective study. Cone beam computed tomography scans and polysomnography exams were collected before placing the appliance (T0) and after 12 months (T1).
  
  
  METHODS
  Image processing with airway volume computing and analyses of oxygen saturation and apnoea/hypopnoea index were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Airway volume, oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index underwent significant increase over time. However, no significant correlation was seen between their increases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rapid maxillary expansion treatment induced significant increases in the total airway volume and respiratory performance. Functional respiratory parameters should be included in studies evaluating the RME treatment effects on the respiratory performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Resident, Section of Orthodontics.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fastuca
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Resident, Section of Orthodontics.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meneghel
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Research Fellow, Section of Orthodontics.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Zecca
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Research Fellow, Section of Orthodontics.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mangano
authors.affiliation: Research Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Antonello
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nucera
authors.affiliation: hairman, Section of Orthodontics, Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caprioglio
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009929:Organ Size; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012119:Respiration
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen