Comparison Of Cephalometric Variables In Non-Obese And Obese Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: To compare the cephalometric variables of obese (body mass index (BMI) >= 30) and non-obese (BMI < 30) Turkish male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Materials and Methods: OSAS diagnosed 85 patients who were obese [n=37; mean age (+/- SE), 49.41 +/- 1.54 year] and non-obese [n=48; mean age (+/- SE) 46.92 +/- 1.39 year] were included in the study. The cephalometric measurements and polysomnographic data of the patients were compared and a discriminatory analysis was performed.Results: The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly higher in obese patients (p < 0.01). Bimaxillary protrusion was found in obese patients (p < 0.05). The non-obese patients with AHI 30 had an increased mandibular plane angle In the stepwise discriminant analysis done separately in obese and non-obese patients according to AHI; only the hyoid bone position was included in the model in obese patients and the estimated success of discrimination of AH's level (< 30 and >= 30) was 70.3%. Age, anterior face and posterior face height were included to the model in non-obese patients and the estimated success of discrimination was found as 79.2%.Conclusion: Craniofacial morphology has an effect on the severity of OSAS. If the craniofacial morphology tends toward a worsening of OSAS with obesity, the severity of the OSAS increases.