USE OF NASAL CPAP MAY CAUSE CRANIOFACIAL CHANGES

USE OF NASAL CPAP MAY CAUSE CRANIOFACIAL CHANGES
The use of a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) machine for more than 2
years may cause craniofacial changes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Researchers from The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, analyzed
baseline and follow-up radiographs from 46 Japanese patients with OSA who had used
nCPAP for a minimum of 2 years. Changes in craniofacial structures were assessed.
nCPAP use was associated with change in the craniofacial form by reducing maxillary
and mandibular prominence and/or by altering the relationship between the two dental
arches. There were no significant correlations between mean age, BMI, apnea-hypopnea
index, or the average duration of nCPAP use (35.0±6.7 months) and the craniofacial
changes. No patients reported any permanent craniofacial changes. Researchers conclude
that the side effects of nCPAP use warrant more detailed studies over longer time
periods, considering that nCPAP is often prescribed for long-term use. The article is
published in the October issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American
College of Chest Physicians: CHEST 2010; 138(4):870–874.