Testing oxygen therapy for children with Down Syndrome and sleep apnea

Randomized Control Trial of oxygen therapy in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10972922

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10972922 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of low-flow oxygen therapy on children and adolescents with Down Syndrome who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study aims to determine if oxygen can improve symptoms related to OSA, such as cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life, especially in those who have not responded well to other treatments. Families of participants will be actively engaged in the research process to ensure that the study meets their needs and expectations. Approximately 328 children will be screened, and 230 will be randomized to receive either oxygen therapy or standard care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5 to 17 years with Down Syndrome and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not benefited from previous surgical interventions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Down Syndrome or those with mild obstructive sleep apnea may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that significantly improves cognitive function and quality of life for children with Down Syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While oxygen therapy has been used in some cases, this specific approach has not been systematically studied in this population, making it a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.