Digital Morphometrics: A New Upper Airway Phenotyping Paradigm in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with changes in pharyngeal anatomy. The goal of this study was to objectively and reproducibly quantify pharyngeal anatomy using digital morphometrics based on a laser ruler, and to assess differences between apneics and controls and associations with AHI (apnea-hypopnea index). This is the first study to use digital morphometrics to quantify intraoral risk factors for OSA.

Methods

Digital photographs were obtained using an intraoral laser ruler and digital camera in 311 controls (mean AHI=4.2 events/hour) and 533 apneics (mean AHI=39.2 events/hour).

Results

The digital morphometric paradigm was validated and reproducible over time and camera distances. A larger modified Mallampati score and having a non-visible airway were associated with a higher AHI both unadjusted (pConclusions

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