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Do patients with different craniofacial patterns have differences in upper airway volume? A systematic review with network meta-analysis

Charlotte Altheer, S. Papageorgiou, G. Antonarakis, Alexandra K. Papadopoulou

European Journal of Orthodontics, 2024

5,734 participants · 26 citations

Abstract

Abstract Background Craniofacial skeletal discrepancies have been associated with upper airway dimensions. Objective To identify differences in upper airway volume across different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns. Search methods Unrestricted literature searches in eight databases/registers for human studies until May 2023. Selection criteria Cross-sectional studies measuring upper airway volumes using three-dimensional imaging in healthy patients of different sagittal (Class I, Class II, and Class III) or vertical (normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent) craniofacial morphology. Data collection and analysis Duplicate independent study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Random-effects frequentist network meta-analysis was performed followed by subgroup-analyses and assessment of the quality of clinical recommendations (confidence in effect estimates) with the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) approach. Results Seventy publications pertaining to 66 unique studies were included with 56 studies (5734 patients) contributing to meta-analyses. Statistically significant differences were found for total pharyngeal airway volume, with Class II having decreased airway volume (−2256.06 mm3; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] −3201.61 to −1310.51 mm3) and Class III increased airway volume (1098.93 mm3; 95% CI 25.41 to 2172.45 mm3) compared to Class I. Significant airway volume reductions for Class II were localized mostly at the oropharynx,…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 5,734 participants or records.

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