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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Nov-Dec;88(6):907-916.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2020.12.017. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

The effect of rapid maxillary expansion in children: a meta-analysis

Denise M C Santana  1 , Vania S Nogueira  2 , Silvana A M Lima  3 , Luciana P A Fernandes  4 , Silke A T Weber  5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The effect of rapid maxillary expansion in children: a meta-analysis

Denise M C Santana et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Craniofacial growth is modified by chronic mouth breathing. Rapid maxillary expansion leads to separation of the mid-palatal suture, improving the occlusion and the upper airway size.

Aim: Systematically evaluate scientific articles on the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on airway dimensions and classify the quality of the evidence of the information.

Methods: Searches on PUBMED, LILACS, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and COCHRANE, as well as in the grey literature were performed. The articles found were selected and evaluated both for the risk of bias (ROBINS-I) and for the quality of evidence (GRADE).

Results: Of the 309 works found, 26 papers were selected for full reading, of which 22 were excluded. Data compilation and analysis were performed in four papers, two being controlled non-randomized clinical trials and two non-randomized and uncontrolled clinical trials. No randomized clinical trial was found.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis found an increase in the internasal and inter-zygomatic distances and oropharyngeal volume after rapid maxillary expansion, which, together with clinical findings, makes the recommendation favorable to the intervention. The quality of the evidence for each outcome was considered very low.

Keywords: Children; Meta-analyses; Mouth breather; Rapid maxillary expansion; Transverse maxillary deficiency.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of systematic review. Source: Adapted from PRISMA.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Meta-analysis of the nasal volume outcome, in mm3, 3 months after the intervention.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Meta-analysis of the oropharyngeal volume outcome, in mm3, after 3 months of intervention.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Meta-analysis of the internasal distance outcome, in mm, ≥ 12 months after the intervention.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Meta-analysis of the outcome interzygomatic distance, in mm, ≥ 12 months after the intervention.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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