Gender and Racial Variations in Cephalometric Analysis

Abstract

Cephalometric analysis has earned a vital role in the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea. However, the normal measurements cited in the literature are not sex or race specific. Skeletal differences in sexes and races have been established. This study was initiated to examine whether race and sex variations in soft tissue and skeletal measurements exist in cephalometric analysis. A total of 89 volunteers of different race and sex participated in this study. The data support the hypothesis that there are statistically significant differences in (1) sella-nasion-subspinale angle (SNA) between black men, and both Caucasian and Hispanic men, (2) sella-nasion-supramentale angle (SNB) between black men and Caucasian men, (3) posterior airway space between Caucasian men and women, and (4) mandibular plane to hyoid distance between Caucasian men and women. These data suggest that only SNA and SNB need racial specificity. Furthermore, Caucasian women need a separate set of normal values from men, specifically posterior airway space and mandibular plane to hyoid bone.

Cephalometric Analysis of Nonobese Snorers Either with or Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

“…25 In addition, a recent study showed that gender and racial variations are present in cephalometric parameters. 26 Because the structural relationship between the hard and soft tissues of the upper airway is confounded by obesity, which independently remains an important factor for increasing apneic activity, it is important to know which craniofacial parameters are risk factors for nonobese young adults. For Asian men, a BMI exceeding 27 kg/m 2 is defined as being obese.…”

Anthropometric and physiologic assessment in sleep apnoea patients regarding body fat distribution

“…Significant differences influenced by sex are also noticed. OSA in males is connected with visceral obesity, whereas in females, it concerns general adiposity [9].…”

Influence of gender on continuous positive airway pressure requirements in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

“…A number of factors have been postulated to be involved in causing these differences. These include hormonal effects, anatomical influences, and differences in the mechanics of the upper airway and in the control of breathing [3,[7][8][9][10][11][12]. Given the myriad dissimilarities in the two genders with regards to the mechanisms and manifestations of OSA, we hypothesize that men and women will differ with regards to the positive airway pressure requirements for treatment of OSA.…”