Improving sleep and cognition in children with Down syndrome using medications.
Official title: Medications for Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Improve Cognition in Children with Down Syndrome (MOSAIC DS)
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10909897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a mix of two medications, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, can help kids with Down syndrome who have obstructive sleep apnea sleep better and think more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $323,269 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL151254-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with Down syndrome who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not have obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a combination of medications, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome. OSA is common in these children and can lead to cognitive impairments and reduced quality of life. The study aims to determine if this medication combination can improve airway tone during sleep, thereby alleviating OSA symptoms and enhancing cognitive function. By focusing on a well-tolerated treatment option, the research seeks to provide a viable alternative to current therapies that may not be effective for all patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for children with Down syndrome suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches using hypoglossal nerve stimulation have been effective in adolescents with Down syndrome, indicating potential for success with this medication-based approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Combs, Daniel — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Combs, Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Medications to treat sleep apnea and boost thinking in children with Down syndrome
This project gives a combination of two commonly used medicines, atomoxetine and oxybutynin, to children with Down syndrome who have obstructive sleep apnea to see if it helps them sleep better and think more clearly.
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Personalized DISE-guided surgery for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
A personalized surgical approach guided by DISE sleep-endoscopy is being tested to better treat sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome who don’t always improve after standard surgery.
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Oxygen therapy for kids with Down syndrome and sleep apnea
A study tests whether low-flow oxygen helps children with Down syndrome and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not benefited from first-line surgery.
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Low-flow nighttime oxygen for children and teens with Down syndrome and sleep apnea
This project tests whether nightly low-flow oxygen helps children and adolescents with Down syndrome who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
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Testing oxygen therapy for children with Down Syndrome and sleep apnea
This study is looking at whether low-flow oxygen therapy can help kids and teens with Down Syndrome who have trouble breathing while sleeping, aiming to see if it can make them feel better and improve their daily lives, especially for those who haven't found relief with other treatments.
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Personalized surgery for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
This trial will see if using sleep endoscopy to guide personalized airway surgery helps children with Down syndrome who have obstructive sleep apnea.
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.