Oropharyngeal Dimensions in Adults: Effect of Ethnicity, Gender, and Sleep Apnea

Study Objectives: This study sought to (1) investigate ethnic and gender differences in oropharyngeal dimensions in subjects with and without sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and (2) assess the utility of novel pharyngometric measures in the evaluation of the upper airway.

Methods: Demographic, anthropomorphic, and sleep-related information were collected from 210 subjects enrolled in a genetic-epidemiology study of SDB via standard questionnaires, direct measurement, and polysomnography. Oropharyngeal dimensions were assessed with acoustic pharyngometry using standard and novel measures.

Results: Mean and minimum cross-sectional areas (CSA) were smaller in Whites and Blacks with SDB compared to unaffected individuals of the same ethnicity. Unaffected Blacks had smaller mean and minimum CSA compared to unaffected Whites. No difference in either parameter was detected between Blacks without SDB and Whites with SDB. Neither parameter varied with SDB status in women, but both were smaller in men with SDB compared to unaffected men. Analysis of novel parameters suggested that differences in upper airway anatomy in Whites and Blacks with SDB were focused in the proximal and distal oropharynx, respectively.

Conclusions: Acoustic reflectometry demonstrates differences in the relationship of oropharyngeal dimensions and SDB status according to gender and ethnicity. Novel pharyngometric parameters assist in elucidating these differences.