Does mini screw assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) have an influence on airway and breathing in middle-aged children and adolescents? A critical review

Abstract

Introduction. Transverse deficiency or maxillary hypoplasia is one of the most harmful alterations for facial growth and the integrity of the dentoalveolar structures. To resolve this type of dentoskeletal alterations, rapid palatal expansion using mini screws (MARPE) has been proposed, which are placed in the palatine bone for transverse correction. In recent decades there has been a development of scientific evidence in dental specialties that is published as scientific articles and available in databases. However, researchers have not yet been able to demonstrate the possibility that much of the literature used in their search for new knowledge may present errors that affect the validity of the information. Objective. Assess and describe the quality of an article with high impact regarding the influence that rapid palatal expansion assisted with mini screws has on the airways and breathing in children and adolescents. Methodology. In a primary review in Google Scholar, the terms and logical connector (MARPE) AND (ADOLESCENT) were used, using as inclusion criteria only the Spanish and English language, that they were published between the years 2012 and 2022, only review articles and that they were related to maxillary transverse expansion assisted with mini screws in children and adolescents, in order to find the source of greatest impact, which was measured by the number of times it had been cited. Once found, he proceeded to analyze the bibliographic references of the main article (51) and evaluate what type they were. 27 sources were selected that could be evaluated using validated instruments such as CONSORT, STROBE and PRISMA, depending on whether they were randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or review studies, respectively. It was verified whether they complied with each of the parameters mentioned there. Results. In the primary search, a total of 657 articles were found; after selecting only those that met the inclusion parameters, 101 were retained. The one with the greatest impact, having been cited most frequently, was chosen as the main article. Of the 51 bibliographic sources in this study, 24 that could not be evaluated with the three instruments used (CONSORT, STROBE and PRISMA) were excluded. Of the 27 articles that were evaluated, 5 were randomized clinical trials, 15 were observational studies and 7 were reviews. None met 100% of the recommendations in the checklists. Conclusion. It is concluded that the main article referring to the influence that rapid palatal expansion assisted with mini screws has on the airways and breathing in children and adolescents, which is of high impact and cited by dozens of investigations, does not include bibliographic sources that comply 100% with the parameters established in validated instruments to evaluate scientific literature such as CONSORT, STROBE and PRISMA.