Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy to Treat Residual Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children Treated with Adenotonsillectomy and Maxillary Expansion: An Interventional Study

Background

In children with residual obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) despite combined adenotonsillectomy (TA) and semi-rapid maxillary expansion (SRME), the optimal further management remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of a 12-month programme of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMFT) on residual OSA in this population. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 80 children (aged 7–9 years) with polysomnography-confirmed residual OSA (respiratory disturbance index [RDI] ≥ 1 event/h) after combined TA and SRME were followed for 12 months. Forty-one children completed a 12-month course of OMFT, and 39 did not, due to compliance concerns, cost/access barriers, or parental preference. RDI at 12-month follow-up (RDIfinal) was compared between groups by t-test and by a covariate-adjusted general linear model.