ANTHROPOMETRY AND ACOUSTIC PHARYNGOMETRY OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed at applying the method of acoustic pharyngometry in sleep-disordered breathing within a preventive otorhinolaryngological programme in the city of Varna for the first time in Bulgaria. Material/Methods: During the period between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, 100 subjects, 62 males at a mean age of 48.82±11.45 years and 38 females at a mean age of 52.42±16.54 years, underwent screening examinations for sleep-disordered breathing in the Division of Otorhinolaryngology, St. Anna Hospital of Varna. Clinical inspections, pharyngoscopy, indirect laryngoscopy, and acoustic pharyngometry by means of Eccovision® acoustic pharyngometer were used. Data were statistically processed by using the t-test for independent variables and the correlation analysis. Results: Low soft palate and uvula elongation belonged to the most common oral cavity alterations identified by acoustic pharyngometry. There are statistically significant changes of the anthropometric (body mass index, neck circumference and adjusted neck circumference) and pharyngometric (cross-sectional area, minimal cross-sectional area, minimal distance, oral cavity length and volume) parameters between males and females. There were statistically significant positive and negative correlations between the values of these parameters. Conclusion: A more comprehensive research on the specific acoustic pharyngometric and anthropometric parameters could elaborate a cost-effective otorhinolaryngological algorithm for Screening and early diagnosis of OSA and snoring.

Keywords

• acoustic pharyngometry
• obstructive sleep apnea
• oral cavity dimensions
• uvula elongation
• low soft palate