Obstructive sleep apnea in children and a narrow upper jaw.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) and Transverse Orthodontic Deficiency in Children

Not applicable Interventional Fondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph · NCT07086612

This project will test whether children aged 6–16 who have a narrow upper jaw are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea, using overnight sleep studies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorFondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rouen)
Trial IDNCT07086612 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares children with a transverse maxillary deficiency to children with other orthodontic issues to explore a possible causal link with obstructive sleep apnea. Eligible participants aged 6–16 will undergo an overnight ventilatory polysomnograph test to document sleep-disordered breathing. Groups are defined by orthodontic presentation (transverse deficiency versus other malocclusions) and clinical/polysomnographic criteria will be used for diagnosis. The work is conducted at the oral and cranio-maxillofacial orthopedics service in Rouen and requires parental consent for participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 6 to 16 with a documented transverse maxillary deficiency or other orthodontic malocclusions whose parents or legal guardians provide consent and who can attend the Rouen clinic are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children without transverse maxillary issues, those outside the 6–16 age range, or those unable or unwilling to undergo overnight polysomnography are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier identification of children whose upper jaw problems contribute to sleep apnea and support targeted orthodontic treatments that improve breathing and sleep.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that rapid maxillary expansion can reduce symptoms of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, but a direct causal link between transverse orthodontic deficiency and OSA remains not fully proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient aged between 6 and 16 years
* Patients with a transverse orthodontic deficiency (group "CAS")
* Patients with another type of orthodontic deficiency (group "CONTROL") such as tooth rotation, crowding, mild Angle Class II or Class III dental occlusion
* Patient who has given free, informed oral consent
* Patient whose legal representatives have given their free written consent
* Patient affiliated with a health insurance scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients refusing to participate in the study
* Patients whose legal representatives refuse to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Rouen

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obstructive Sleep ApneaTransverse Maxillary Deficiency
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.