Method and device for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement

Abstract

The present application discloses a method and device for assessing the risk of adenoids hypertrophy and OSA in children based on nasal angle measurement. The device includes: an image acquisition unit for acquiring a side facial image or profile of a child; a nasal tip protrusion angle measurement unit for measuring the nasal tip protrusion angle, that is, the angle between the nasal dorsum tangent line and the nasal inferior margin tangent line; a comparison unit for comparing the measured nasal tip protrusion angle with the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value; a risk assessment unit for assessing the risk of the child suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA when the measured nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the critical value. The present application provides a simple, non-invasive device for screening the risk of adenoids hypertrophy and OSA in children, which can quickly identify potential risks and provide an important reference for clinical diagnosis and early intervention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of facial assessment, and in particular to a method and device for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement. Background Art

[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a common sleep breathing disorder characterized by recurrent partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to ventilation impairment and disrupted sleep architecture. According to the 2012 guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the prevalence of OSA in children is approximately 1.2% to 5.7%. Unlike adult OSA, the main causes of OSA in children include enlarged adenoids and / or tonsils (common in children aged 2-6 years) and obesity (common in children aged 6-9 years and adolescents). OSA in children can lead to a range of complications, including maxillofacial developmental abnormalities, behavioral abnormalities, learning disabilities, growth retardation, neurocognitive impairment, endocrine and metabolic disorders, hypertension and pulmonary hypertension, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular events in adulthood.

[0003] At present, the diagnosis of OSA in children mainly relies on polysomnography (PSG), which is considered the gold standard. However, PSG examinations are expensive, require professional equipment and personnel, and are not easy to carry out widely. Therefore, the development of simple and reliable screening methods is of great significance for the early identification of the risk of OSA in children. Existing screening methods include questionnaires, craniofacial measurements, etc. However, these methods often have problems with insufficient sensitivity or specificity. For example, although adenoid facies is considered to be associated with OSA, there is currently no clear craniofacial structure-related indicator for disease screening and diagnosis.

[0004] Several AI-based adenoid facial recognition technologies and products already exist on the market. These products attempt to identify adenoid facial features through deep learning. However, due to the lack of a single or limited set of clear indicators, and the fact that craniofacial growth and development are influenced by multiple factors (such as genetics, diet, tooth replacement, and other oral health habits), achieving ideal recognition results is difficult even with deep learning based on large sample sizes. Furthermore, AI systems require high investment costs and specialized hardware and software support, presenting challenges in their clinical promotion and widespread application.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a simple, accurate and easy-to-promote method to assess the risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA in children, so that the attending physician can give treatment recommendations in a short period of time, thereby achieving early detection and intervention, and reducing the adverse effects of the disease on children's growth and development. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application proposes a pediatric adenoid hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk assessment scheme based on nasal angle measurement, aiming to quickly, easily, and accurately screen children for adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk. This scheme analyzes specific nasal angles, particularly the nasal tip angle, in profile facial images or profiles to assess a child's risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA, providing clinicians with timely and effective diagnostic reference.

[0007] In one aspect, the present application provides a device for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement, comprising:

[0008] an image acquisition unit, for acquiring a side facial image or profile of the target child;

[0009] a nose tip protrusion angle measurement unit, configured to measure the nose tip protrusion angle based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the nose tip protrusion angle is the angle between the tangent line of the nasal dorsum and the tangent line of the lower nasal margin;

[0010] a comparing unit, configured to compare the measured nose tip protrusion angle with a nose tip protrusion angle critical value;

[0011] The risk assessment unit assesses that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA if the measured nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value.

[0012] In some embodiments, the side facial image is a standardized side photograph, a lateral skull positioning film, a three-dimensional facial scan image, a nuclear magnetic resonance image, or a cone-beam computed tomography image.

[0013] In some embodiments, the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponds to the race of the target child, and in the comparison unit, the measured nose tip protrusion angle is compared with the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponding to the race of the target child.

[0014] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a nasal tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit, wherein the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit is configured to:

[0015] Collect samples from children of a specified ethnicity, including children diagnosed with adenoids hypertrophy and OSA and healthy children;

[0016] obtaining a profile facial image or profile of each child in the sample;

[0017] measuring the nasal tip protrusion angle of each child in the sample based on the side facial image or profile;

[0018] Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the nasal tip protrusion angle value for differentiating children with adenoid hypertrophy and OSA from healthy children.

[0019] The nose tip protrusion angle value is set as the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponding to the specified race.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a first auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the first auxiliary evaluation device is configured to:

[0021] Measuring the nose tip angle based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the nose tip angle is the angle between a line connecting the soft tissue nasion point to the nose tip point and a line connecting the nose tip point to the subnasal point;

[0022] The measured nose tip angle was compared with the nose tip angle critical value;

[0023] If the measured nasal tip angle is greater than the nasal tip angle critical value, it supports that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a second auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the second auxiliary evaluation device is configured to:

[0025] measuring the inclination of the lower nasal margin based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the inclination of the lower nasal margin is the angle between the tangent line of the lower nasal margin and the orbitoauricular plane;

[0026] comparing the measured inclination of the lower nasal border with a preset critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal border;

[0027] If the measured inclination of the lower nasal border is greater than the lower nasal border inclination critical value, it supports that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0028] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a third auxiliary assessment device, configured to assist in assessing whether the target child is at risk of having adenoid hypertrophy and OSA based on one or more of the following:

[0029] Conducting a sleep questionnaire survey, and when the score of the sleep questionnaire is greater than a score threshold, it is supported that the target child is at risk of suffering from OSA;

[0030] Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and compared with age-appropriate normal reference values ​​to assess whether the target child was at risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0031] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a data analysis unit, wherein the data analysis unit comprises one or more of the following:

[0032] a correlation analysis subunit, configured to evaluate the correlation between the multiple nose angles measured based on the side facial image or profile and the degree of adenoid hypertrophy, the degree of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction, and the sleep apnea-hypopnea index, rapid eye movement sleep percentage, and respiratory arousal index in sleep monitoring results;

[0033] Independent t-test subunits were used to compare the differences in nasal angles between the adenoids hypertrophy group and the non-adenoids hypertrophy group, and between the OSA group and the non-OSA group;

[0034] The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis subunit was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various nasal angles in predicting the risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA;

[0035] The ANOVA subunit was used to compare the differences in nasal angles between children of different age groups or different severities of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0036] Another aspect of the present application provides a method for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement, comprising:

[0037] Collecting a profile facial image or profile of the target child;

[0038] Measuring the nose tip protrusion angle based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the nose tip protrusion angle is the angle between the tangent line of the nose dorsum and the tangent line of the lower nose edge;

[0039] Compare the measured nasal tip protrusion angle with the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value;

[0040] If the measured nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value, it is assessed that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0041] The proposed pediatric adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk assessment scheme based on nasal angle measurement is of significant innovation and offers numerous beneficial effects. This scheme, for the first time, reveals the crucial finding that specific nasal angles, particularly the nasal tip angle, can effectively screen for adenoid hypertrophy and OSA in children. This insight holds immense clinical value and innovation, offering a new perspective and approach for early screening of OSA in children. The scheme is simple to use, requiring only a profile image or profile of the child for assessment, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of screening. By measuring specific nasal angles, it provides an objective, quantifiable assessment metric, avoiding the uncertainty inherent in traditional screening based on subjective judgment. Furthermore, the implementation of this scheme considers ethnic differences by setting ethnically specific angle thresholds, enhancing the accuracy and applicability of the assessment. It also incorporates multiple auxiliary assessment devices, providing additional evidence when confidence in the primary metric is unclear, further enhancing diagnostic reliability. Furthermore, the implementation of this scheme integrates various auxiliary assessment methods, such as questionnaires and obesity assessments, to comprehensively consider the various factors influencing OSA.

[0042] The pediatric OSA risk assessment scheme based on nasal angle measurement proposed in this application is easy to promote and apply in clinical practice. It does not require expensive equipment or complex artificial intelligence systems, allowing primary care institutions to conduct preliminary OSA risk screening, facilitating early detection and intervention of childhood OSA, thereby reducing its adverse effects on children's growth and development. This innovative screening method opens up new avenues for the prevention and treatment of childhood OSA and has important clinical application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0044] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of an apparatus for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating nose angle measurement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating nose angle measurement according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present application more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Figure 1 FIG1 shows a block diagram of a device for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the device includes an image acquisition unit 102 , a nose tip protrusion angle measurement unit 104 , a comparison unit 106 and a risk assessment unit 108 .

[0049] The image acquisition unit 102 is used to acquire a side facial image or profile of the target child.

[0050] The side facial image or profile used in this application can be a left side facial image or left side profile, or a right side facial image or right side profile, as long as the relevant nose angle can be measured clearly and accurately.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present application, the side facial image can be a standardized side photograph, a lateral skull positioning film, a three-dimensional facial scan image, a nuclear magnetic image or a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image. Standardized side photographs are the simplest acquisition method and can be taken under standardized conditions using an ordinary camera. Lateral skull positioning films are commonly used orthodontic diagnostic images that can provide clear lateral bone contours. Three-dimensional facial scan images can provide more comprehensive facial information. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-resolution soft tissue images, which are particularly suitable for observing upper respiratory tract structures. CBCT images can provide detailed information on both soft and hard tissues. Regardless of the image acquisition method used, the image should be clear and legible and able to accurately display the nose contour.

[0052] The image acquisition unit 102 can provide basic image data for subsequent angle measurement.

[0053] The nose tip protrusion angle measurement unit 104 is used to measure the nose tip protrusion angle based on the side facial image or profile, where the nose tip protrusion angle is the angle between the tangent line of the nose dorsum and the tangent line of the lower nose edge.

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating nose angle measurement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 2 The side face image used in the exemplary embodiment shown is a standardized right side face photo. Figure 2 The angle 1 marked in the figure is the nose tip angle. Figure 2 As shown, the nasal dorsum tangent line is the soft tissue nasal root point (i.e. Figure 2 midpoint N') and the highest point of the nasal dorsum (i.e. Figure 2 The line connecting the midpoint S1) and the tangent line of the lower nose edge is the lower nose point (i.e. Figure 2 midpoint Sn) and the columella point (i.e. Figure 2 When measuring, you can first identify these key points on the image, then draw the corresponding tangent lines, and finally measure the angle between the two tangent lines.

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of nose angle measurement according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the side face image used is a right skull right lateral positioning film. Figure 3 The meaning of the midpoint and angle marking symbols is the same as Figure 2 same.

[0056] The key parameters for evaluating adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children can be obtained through the nasal tip protrusion angle measurement unit 104 .

[0057] Back to Figure 1 The comparison unit 106 is used to compare the measured nose tip protrusion angle with the nose tip protrusion angle critical value.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment of this application, the inventors, through extensive research and clinical observation, have recognized a significant correlation between the critical value of the nasal tip angle and the child's ethnicity. This provides a key foundation for accurately assessing OSA risk in children of different ethnicities. Specifically, the critical value of the nasal tip angle should correspond to the target child's ethnicity.

[0059] For example, in one study, the inventors collected standardized profile photographs of Asian children and conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, finding that the Youden Index was maximized when the cutoff value for the nasal tip protrusion angle was set at 91.5 degrees. This means that, within the sample covered by the study, using a cutoff value of 91.5 degrees for the nasal tip protrusion angle best balanced sensitivity and specificity, thereby most effectively distinguishing children with OSA from healthy children.

[0060] The device may also include a nose tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit, which can strictly calculate the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponding to a specified race. For example, for Asians, the nose tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit can be used to:

[0061] Collect a large sample of Asian children, including children diagnosed with adenoids hypertrophy and OSA and healthy children;

[0062] Obtain standardized profile photographs of each child in the sample;

[0063] Based on these standardized profile photographs, the nasal tip protrusion angle of each child was accurately measured;

[0064] Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the nasal tip protrusion angle value that could best differentiate children with adenoid hypertrophy and OSA from healthy children.

[0065] The nasal tip protrusion angle value is set as the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value used when the target child is Asian.

[0066] This critical value setting method, based on a large amount of clinical data and rigorous statistical analysis, and the critical value calculated based on it significantly improve the accuracy of the assessment, and it fully takes into account the significant differences in nasal structure among different races.

[0067] The design of the nasal tip angle critical value calculation unit makes this application highly adaptable and scalable. As more data from different ethnic groups are collected and analyzed, the critical values ​​for each ethnic group can be continuously optimized and updated, further improving the accuracy and universality of the assessment.

[0068] The inventors used the aforementioned nasal tip protrusion angle threshold calculation unit to study multiple ethnic groups. For example, their research on Canadian subjects showed that their nasal tip protrusion angle threshold was significantly lower than that of Asians, at just over 70 degrees. This finding further emphasizes the importance of adjusting the threshold based on different ethnic characteristics.

[0069] If the nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the nasal tip protrusion angle threshold, the risk assessment unit 108 assesses that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA. This assessment result can serve as an important reference for further clinical examination.

[0070] The greater the nasal tip angle is above the critical value, the greater the likelihood of nasal airway obstruction (due to adenoid hypertrophy and / or other factors), and the higher the risk of OSA in children. The study also showed that for Asian children, when the nasal tip angle is greater than 85.5 degrees, the screening sensitivity can reach 0.911; when the nasal tip angle is greater than 95.5 degrees, the screening specificity can reach 0.911. These data provide valuable clinical reference for guiding further examinations and treatment.

[0071] By comparing the measured nasal tip protrusion angle with the critical value of the nasal tip protrusion angle, medical workers can quickly and accurately assess whether children are at risk of OSA, providing a simple and highly personalized means for early screening of OSA in children, thereby providing key judgment basis for subsequent diagnosis and treatment decisions.

[0072] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a first auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the first auxiliary evaluation device is configured to:

[0073] Based on the side face image or profile, the nose tip angle (i.e. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The angle 2) is defined as the angle between the line connecting the soft tissue nasion point to the nose tip point and the line connecting the nose tip point to the subnasal point;

[0074] The measured nose tip angle was compared with the nose tip angle critical value;

[0075] If the measured nasal tip angle is greater than the nasal tip angle critical value, it supports that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA.

[0076] First, the first auxiliary evaluation device can measure the nose tip angle based on the side face image or profile. Figure 2 For example, the measurement process of the first auxiliary evaluation device is described. Figure 2 Angle 2 is the nose tip angle, which is the soft tissue nasion point (i.e. Figure 2 midpoint N') to the nose tip (i.e. Figure 2 The line connecting the midpoint Prn) and the nose tip (i.e. Figure 2 midpoint Prn) to the subnasal point (i.e. Figure 2 This measurement can be performed on a standardized profile photograph, a cephalogram, or other type of lateral facial image or profile.

[0077] Then, the first auxiliary evaluation device compares the measured nose tip angle with the nose tip angle critical value. The nose tip angle critical value can be calculated using a design similar to the above-mentioned nose tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit. Similarly, the corresponding nose tip angle critical value can be determined according to different races, and the nose tip angle of the target child can be compared with the nose tip angle critical value corresponding to the race of the target child. If the measured nose tip angle is greater than the nose tip angle critical value, it supports the judgment that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA.

[0078] The aforementioned first auxiliary assessment device provides additional evaluation parameters, increasing the comprehensiveness and accuracy of risk assessment. In particular, when the key indicator, nasal tip angle, falls within the ambiguous range, the first auxiliary assessment device provides further basis for judgment. Furthermore, by combining multiple angle measurements, the reliability of the assessment is enhanced, reducing the possibility of misjudgment.

[0079] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a second auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the second auxiliary evaluation device is configured to:

[0080] The inclination of the lower edge of the nose (i.e. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The angle 3 in the figure is the angle between the tangent line of the nasal lower edge and the orbitoauricular plane;

[0081] comparing the measured inclination of the lower nasal border with a preset critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal border;

[0082] If the measured inclination of the lower nasal border is greater than the lower nasal border inclination critical value, it supports that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0083] First, the second auxiliary evaluation device can measure the inclination of the lower edge of the nose based on the side face image or profile. Figure 2 For example, the measurement process of the second auxiliary evaluation device is described. Figure 2 The angle 3 shown in FIG is the inclination of the lower edge of the nose. Specifically, it is the tangent line of the lower edge of the nose (i.e. Figure 2 The Sn-Cm line) and the orbitoauricular plane ( Figure 2 The angle between the FH plane (i.e. the FH plane).

[0084] Then, the second auxiliary evaluation device compares the measured inclination of the lower nasal margin with the critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin. The critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin can be calculated using a design similar to the above-mentioned critical value calculation unit for the nasal tip protrusion angle. Similarly, the corresponding critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin can be determined according to different races, and the critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin of the target child can be compared with the critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin corresponding to the race to which the target child belongs. If the measured inclination of the lower nasal margin is greater than the critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal margin, it supports the judgment that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0085] The second auxiliary assessment device provides another independent assessment parameter, further enhancing the multidimensionality of risk assessment. In particular, after in-depth research, the inventors found that the inclination of the lower nasal margin reflects changes in the soft tissue of the nose, which may be related to the breathing pattern, providing a new perspective for assessment. In particular, the inclination of the lower nasal margin demonstrated a high specificity (over 0.895) in large-scale assessments, which means that this assessment parameter is particularly effective in excluding non-OSA cases, which helps to significantly reduce false positive results.

[0086] The assessment of the key indicator, nasal tip angle, along with the primary and secondary auxiliary assessment devices, forms a multi-layered assessment system, improving both accuracy and the applicability and reliability of the solution. Their combined use can provide clinicians with a more comprehensive and reliable diagnostic reference, facilitating accurate and early detection and intervention for childhood OSA.

[0087] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a third auxiliary assessment device, configured to assist in assessing whether the target child is at risk of having adenoid hypertrophy and OSA based on one or more of the following:

[0088] Conducting a sleep questionnaire survey, and when the score of the sleep questionnaire is greater than a score threshold, it is supported that the target child is at risk of suffering from OSA;

[0089] Calculate body mass index (BMI) and compare it with age-appropriate normal reference values ​​to assess whether the target child is at risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA;

[0090] According to this embodiment, a sleep questionnaire can be used to assist in the assessment. When the questionnaire score is greater than the threshold score, it can support the judgment that the target child is at risk for OSA. Questionnaire survey results have become an important screening method for OSA in children.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the body mass index (BMI) can be calculated and compared with the normal reference value corresponding to age to assess whether the target child is at risk of OSA. The results of a study showed that there was no significant difference in BMI between the OSA group and the non-OSA group.

[0092] The third auxiliary assessment device provides a comprehensive assessment system that combines body mass index and sleep questionnaire surveys, taking into account multiple factors that may affect childhood OSA, thereby improving the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment. In particular, sleep questionnaires (such as the Spruyt-Gozal Sleep Questionnaire) show high diagnostic efficacy, providing a powerful tool for clinical evaluation.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a data analysis unit, wherein the data analysis unit comprises one or more of the following:

[0094] a correlation analysis subunit, configured to evaluate the correlation between the multiple nose angles measured based on the side facial image or profile and the degree of adenoid hypertrophy, the degree of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction, and the sleep apnea-hypopnea index, rapid eye movement sleep percentage, and respiratory arousal index in sleep monitoring results;

[0095] Independent t-test subunit: used to compare the differences in nasal angles between the adenoids hypertrophy group and the non-adenoids hypertrophy group, and between the OSA group and the non-OSA group;

[0096] The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis subunit was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each nasal angle in predicting OSA risk;

[0097] The ANOVA subunit was used to compare the differences in nasal angles between children of different age groups or different severities of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0098] The data analysis unit is used to perform various statistical analysis methods to deeply evaluate the relationship between various indicators and adenoid hypertrophy and OSA in children.

[0099] The correlation analysis subunit evaluates the correlation between multiple nasal angles (such as nasal tip protrusion angle, nasal tip angle, and inferior nasal border inclination) measured based on profile facial images or profile measurements, the degree of adenoid hypertrophy, the degree of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage, and respiratory arousal index from sleep monitoring results. One study showed that nasal tip protrusion angle was significantly positively correlated with AHI and significantly negatively correlated with REM sleep percentage.

[0100] Independent t-test subunits were used to compare differences in nasal angles between the adenoids hypertrophy and OSA groups and the non-adenoids hypertrophy and non-OSA groups. One study found that the nasal tip projection angle, nasal tip angle, and inferior nasal border inclination were significantly greater in the adenoids hypertrophy and OSA groups than in the non-adenoids hypertrophy and non-OSA groups.

[0101] The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis subunit was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various nasal angles in predicting the risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA. The results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the nasal tip angle had good diagnostic value.

[0102] The ANOVA subunit was used to compare the differences in nasal angles between children of different age groups or different severities of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

[0103] The Data Analysis Unit provides comprehensive statistical analysis support for pediatric adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk assessment based on nasal angle measurement, facilitating a deeper understanding of the relationship between various parameters and adenoid hypertrophy and OSA. Furthermore, through the integrated application of multiple statistical methods, the reliability and persuasiveness of the research results are enhanced, providing data support for further optimization of the assessment method and contributing to the continuous improvement and enhancement of diagnostic accuracy.

[0104] The present application also provides a method for assessing the risk of adenoids hypertrophy and OSA in children based on nasal angle measurement, comprising: collecting a side facial image or profile of the target child; measuring the nasal tip protrusion angle based on the side facial image or profile, the nasal tip protrusion angle being the angle between the tangent line of the nasal dorsum and the tangent line of the lower nasal margin; comparing the measured nasal tip protrusion angle with a critical value of the nasal tip protrusion angle; if the nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the critical value of the nasal tip protrusion angle, assessing that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA.

[0105] For other details and beneficial effects of this method, please refer to the above description of the device and will not be repeated here.

[0106] The following is a brief introduction to typical application cases of the solution proposed in this application for assessing the risk of OSA in children based on nasal angle measurement.

[0107] Case 1: Child A, an Asian, 5-year-old boy. His parents used a smartphone to take a side photo of the child and uploaded it to the system. After the system detected that the photo was of qualified quality, it automatically measured the nasal tip protrusion angle to be 100.3 degrees, which exceeded the preset critical value, indicating a possible risk of adenoid hypertrophy or OSA. The subsequent Spruyt-Gozal Sleep Questionnaire score was 3.06, exceeding the threshold of 2.72, and the screening result was positive, further supporting the initial diagnosis. Based on these results, the system recommended referral for polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep monitoring. The PSG results showed an AHI of 9.6 / hour, and the diagnosis was moderate OSA.

[0108] Case 2: Patient B, a 13-year-old Asian girl, was admitted to the orthodontics department for lip protrusion. The attending physician used specialized equipment to capture a profile photograph of the patient and uploaded it to the system. After the system passed the test, automatic analysis determined the nasal tip protrusion angle to be 79.0 degrees, which is within the normal range. Furthermore, the Spruyt-Gozal Sleep Questionnaire score was 1.25, indicating a negative screening result. A comprehensive evaluation revealed no significant nasal airway obstruction or risk of childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Therefore, the doctor recommended conventional orthodontic treatment focused solely on the maxillofacial structure and dental malocclusion.

[0109] Case 3: Patient C, a 7-year-old Asian girl. During her initial examination, the system measured her nasal tip angle at 92.8 degrees, but the Spruyt-Gozal Sleep Questionnaire was negative. She was subsequently referred to an otolaryngologist, who diagnosed her with adenoid hypertrophy, but did not yet meet surgical criteria. The doctor recommended six months of conservative medical treatment. One year after treatment, a follow-up examination revealed that the system measured the nasal tip angle, which had decreased to 90.9 degrees, indicating slight improvement. A subsequent nasal endoscopy confirmed a decrease in adenoid volume and improved nasal ventilation function.

[0110] These cases fully demonstrate the flexibility and clinical value of this application in different situations. It can not only quickly screen for potential OSA risks, but also assist in monitoring treatment effects, providing important reference for doctors' diagnosis and treatment decisions.

[0111] While various embodiments of the present application have been described above, the above description is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A device for assessing adenoid hypertrophy and OSA risk in children based on nasal angle measurement, characterized in that: include: an image acquisition unit, for acquiring a side facial image or profile of the target child; a nasal tip protrusion angle measurement unit, configured to measure the nasal tip protrusion angle based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the nasal tip protrusion angle is the angle between the nasal dorsum tangent line and the nasal inferior margin tangent line, wherein the nasal dorsum tangent line is the line connecting the soft tissue nasal root point and the highest point of the nasal dorsum, and the nasal inferior margin tangent line is the line connecting the inferior point of the nose and the columella point; a comparing unit, configured to compare the measured nose tip protrusion angle with a nose tip protrusion angle critical value; The risk assessment unit assesses that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA if the measured nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The lateral facial image includes a standardized lateral photograph, a lateral skull positioning film, a three-dimensional facial scan image, an MRI image, or a cone-beam computed tomography image.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponds to the ethnicity of the target child. In the comparison unit, the measured nose tip protrusion angle is compared with the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponding to the ethnicity of the target child.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The device further includes a nose tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit, wherein the nose tip protrusion angle critical value calculation unit is used to: Collect samples from children of a specified ethnicity, including children diagnosed with adenoids hypertrophy and OSA and healthy children; obtaining a profile facial image or profile of each child in the sample; measuring the nasal tip protrusion angle of each child in the sample based on the side facial image or profile; Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the nasal tip protrusion angle value for differentiating children with adenoid hypertrophy and OSA from healthy children. The nose tip protrusion angle value is set as the nose tip protrusion angle critical value corresponding to the specified race.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further comprises a first auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the first auxiliary evaluation device is configured to: Measuring the nose tip angle based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the nose tip angle is the angle between a line connecting the soft tissue nasion point to the nose tip point and a line connecting the nose tip point to the subnasal point; The measured nose tip angle was compared with the nose tip angle critical value; If the measured nasal tip angle is greater than the nasal tip angle critical value, it supports that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoids hypertrophy and OSA.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further comprises a second auxiliary evaluation device, wherein the second auxiliary evaluation device is configured to: measuring the inclination of the lower nasal margin based on the side facial image or profile, wherein the inclination of the lower nasal margin is the angle between the tangent line of the lower nasal margin and the orbitoauricular plane; comparing the measured inclination of the lower nasal border with a preset critical value of the inclination of the lower nasal border; If the measured inclination of the lower nasal border is greater than the lower nasal border inclination critical value, it supports that the target child is at risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further includes a third auxiliary assessment device for assisting in assessing whether the target child has a risk of adenoids hypertrophy and OSA based on one or more of the following: Conducting a sleep questionnaire survey, and when the score of the sleep questionnaire is greater than a score threshold, it is supported that the target child is at risk of suffering from OSA; Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and compared with age-appropriate normal reference values ​​to assess whether the target child was at risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises a data analysis unit, wherein the data analysis unit comprises one or more of the following: a correlation analysis subunit, configured to evaluate the correlation between the multiple nose angles measured based on the side facial image or profile and the degree of adenoid hypertrophy, the degree of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction, and the sleep apnea-hypopnea index, rapid eye movement sleep percentage, and respiratory arousal index in sleep monitoring results; Independent t-test subunits were used to compare the differences in nasal angles between the adenoids hypertrophy group and the non-adenoids hypertrophy group, and between the OSA group and the non-OSA group; The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis subunit was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various nasal angles in predicting the risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA; The ANOVA subunit was used to compare the differences in nasal angles between children of different age groups or different severities of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

9. A method for assessing the risk of adenoid hypertrophy and OSA in children based on nasal angle measurement, characterized in that: include: Collecting a profile facial image or profile of the target child; The nasal tip protrusion angle is measured based on the side facial image or profile, where the nasal tip protrusion angle is the angle between the nasal dorsum tangent line and the nasal inferior margin tangent line, the nasal dorsum tangent line is the line connecting the soft tissue nasal root point and the highest point of the nasal dorsum, and the nasal inferior margin tangent line is the line connecting the inferior point of the nose and the columella point; Compare the measured nasal tip protrusion angle with the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value; If the measured nasal tip protrusion angle is greater than the nasal tip protrusion angle critical value, it is assessed that the target child has a risk of suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and OSA.

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