Observational Study on the Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Executive Function and Empathy Development in Children

Launched by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY · Feb 23, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects children's ability to think, make decisions, and understand feelings—these are important skills known as executive function and empathy. The trial will include children aged 3 to 12 who have been diagnosed with OSA, which often happens when the tonsils or adenoids are enlarged. Researchers want to see how different treatments, like surgery or medication, can help improve these skills over a year. They will also look for brain activity patterns through EEG tests to learn more about how OSA might impact children's brains.

To participate, children need to be between 3 and 12 years old and have a diagnosis of OSA. They also need to have a certain level of intelligence as measured by an IQ score of 85 or higher. However, children with other sleep disorders, developmental delays, or certain medical conditions won't be included in the study. While the trial is not yet recruiting participants, those who join can expect to undergo assessments and receive treatment while helping researchers understand how to better support children with OSA.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 3-12 years.
• • Diagnosed with OSA due to adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy.
• • IQ ≥ 85.
• • Parental consent for participation.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Other primary sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome).
• • Developmental delay, epilepsy, or other neurological/metabolic disorders.
• • Chronic diseases or history of head trauma.