American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

The reported prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children falls within the range of approximately 1% to 10%, with various studies indicating slightly different rates based on diverse populations and assessment methods. The percentage of 0.2-4% does capture a segment of the prevalence estimates, particularly at the lower end of the spectrum, but it does not encompass the broader range of studies that have identified higher prevalence figures, particularly in certain high-risk populations.

Understanding the epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea in children is crucial for orthodontic practitioners, as it can have implications on their treatment plans. Conditions like OSA in children can affect facial growth and development, making early detection and management vital. While it's important to have a variety of statistics available from the literature, stating the prevalence as low as 0.2-4% could lead to underestimating the issue and ignoring the potential need for intervention in certain demographics.