A new airway device for treating sleep apnea in children with low muscle tone
Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) Treating Upper Airway Obstruction in Hypotonia
This study is testing a new device designed to help children with conditions like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome who have trouble breathing at night due to sleep apnea, to see if it can make their sleep better and help them breathe easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10928749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a self-supporting nasopharyngeal airway (ssNPA) to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with hypotonic upper airway obstruction (HUAO), which includes conditions like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The study aims to address the high prevalence and severity of OSA in these children, who often experience significant upper airway collapse during sleep. By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research team will evaluate the effectiveness of this new device in improving airway function and overall sleep quality. The methodology includes clinical assessments and monitoring of sleep patterns to determine the device's impact on reducing airway obstruction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with hypotonic conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome who experience obstructive sleep apnea.
Not a fit: Patients without hypotonic conditions or those who do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for children suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the treatment efficacy for this specific patient population, similar approaches have shown promise in addressing airway obstruction in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Louise M. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Louise M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.