Predictive values of Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score in the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric population


KAÇAR BAYRAM A., Paketçi A., Şahbaz M. N., Daşdelen S., Koca S. B.

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, cilt.54, sa.1, ss.301-308, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 54 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.55730/1300-0144.5791
  • Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.301-308
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Children, obstructive sleep apnea, Mallampati score, BMI z-score, tonsillar size
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background/aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder in children. Determination of risk factors for the development of OSA is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease and decreases the risk of negative consequences. This study aimed to investigate the predictive values of Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score in the presence and severity of OSA in children. Materials and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 114 children with OSA symptoms. All children were assessed by BMI z-score, Mallampati score, and tonsillar size and underwent overnight polysomnography. They were consecutively selected and assigned to 4 groups as follows: Group 1 included normal-weight with a low Mallampati score; Group 2 involved normal-weight with a high Mallampati score; Group 3 included obese with a low Mallampati score; and Group 4 involved obese with a high Mallampati score. Results: Of the 114 included children, 58 were female and 56 were male, with a mean age of 13.1 ± 2.9 years. OSA frequency and apnea-hypopnea index were significantly higher in group 4 compared with other groups (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas average and minimum spO2 were significantly lower (for both, p = 0.001). Mallampati score and BMI z-score were found to be significant for predicting OSA (odds ratio = 4.147, 95% CI: 1.440–11.944; p = 0.008 and odds ratio = 1.760, 95% CI: 1.039–2.980; p = 0.035, respectively). Among OSA patients, the Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score were found to be significant for predicting OSA severity (odds ratio = 4.520, 95% CI: 1.332–15.335, p = 0.015, odds ratio = 9.177, 95% CI: 2.513–33.514, p = 0.001, and odds ratio = 2.820, 95% CI: 1.444–5.508; p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The coexistence of the Mallampati score and BMI z-score significantly increases the presence of OSA in children. Mallampati score, tonsillar size, and BMI z-score are promising parameters for predicting OSA severity.